Floyd Zaiger
Floyd Zaiger | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1926 |
| Alma mater | UC Davis |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biology, pomology, fruit hybridizing |
| Institutions | Zaiger's Genetics |
Chris "Floyd" Zaiger (born 1926) is a biologist who is noted for his work in fruit breeding and hybrid development, particularly of stone fruit. Zaiger founded Zaiger's Genetics, a fruit-breeding business in Modesto, California, which is now an international business selling cultivars and hybrids.[1] Zaiger is famous for developing varieties such as the Spyksma pluot, and has been called "the most prolific stone fruit breeder in the modern era." [2]
Work and education
Zaiger, a Nebraska native, received a degree in plant pathology and agricultural education in 1952 from the University of California, Davis.[3][4]
Zaiger has developed both cultivars of existing species and new hybrids such as the pluot[3] He uses cross-pollination by hand, rather than gene-splicing or DNA manipulation, to develop new hybrids.[5] The Zaigers hold around 280 patents for types of fruit.[2]
Awards and recognition
- 1995 Wilder Award from the American Pomological Society for "distinguished service and contributions to the advancement of pomological science and for outstanding fruit varieties" [6]
- 1997 Awarded rank of Officier, Ordre du Mérite Agricole[7]
- 1999 Alumni Award of Distinction award from UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences [4]
References
- ^ Adler, Carlye (1 December 2004). "Designer Fruit". CNN. Retrieved 30 January 2010.
- ^ a b Raquel Maria Dillon (October 22, 2010). "California breeder keeps perfecting peaches, plums". Associated Press.
- ^ a b Jon Bonné (June 12, 2011). "Farmer creates new fruit, perfects old varieties (Floyd Zaiger, a fruit innovator to the world)". San Francisco Chronicle.
- ^ a b "Chris Floyd Zaiger, 1999 Award of Distinction Recipients". UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- ^ Dillon, Raquel Maria (22 October 2010). "Floyd Zaiger: 'Pluot' Creator Continues Perfecting Fruit With Meticulous, Low-Tech Breeding Methods". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
- ^ "The Wilder Medal". American Pomological Society. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
- ^ "About Zaiger Genetics". Dave Wilson Nurseries. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
Further reading
- Jon Bonné (June 12, 2011). "Farmer creates new fruit, perfects old varieties (Floyd Zaiger, a fruit innovator to the world)". San Francisco Chronicle.
- Anne Gonzales (October 9, 2011). "'The Disneyland of fruits': Firm creates new varieties -- the old-fashioned way". Sacramento Bee. p. D1.