US: Potato industry veteran dies

Bob Dwelle, a potato physiologist who was a respected member of the Potato Association of America and a professor at the University of Idaho, died Sept. 4 at age 69 due to complications of congestive heart failure. Joe Guenthner, emeritus professor of agricultural economics at the University of Idaho, met Dwelle in 1980. His nickname was “Dr. Spud.” Dwelle also encouraged his graduate students to become fellow members of the Potato Association of America. “Bob understood well that for potato scientists to have an impact they needed connection to the industry, and what they learned in the labs and research plots needed to be applied to the people who were growing and packing and processing potatoes,” Guenthner said. “The connection between the academic community and the industry (was something) that he handled very well, and he taught his students about the connections between science and practical applications.” More