Glenn W. Burton
Glenn W. Burton | |
|---|---|
 Pearl millet, Tifton | |
| Born | May 5, 1910 Clatonia, Gage County, Nebraska |
| Died | November 22, 2005 (aged 95) |
| Alma mater | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Rutgers University |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Agricultural scientist |
Glenn W. Burton (May 5, 1910 near Clatonia, Gage County, Nebraska – November 22, 2005 Tifton, Georgia) was an American agricultural scientist[1][2] notable for his pioneering work in plant breeding, development of pearl millet in 1956 and for other contributions that helped increase world food production.[3]
Burton was also known for the development of bermuda grasses used on athletic fields.[3] Of these, his Tifton 419 was the most widely used bermuda grass in the world as of 2006.[3][4]
Burton received the National Medal of Science from President Ronald Reagan: "For outstanding contributions to the biological sciences that have helped to feed the hungry, protect and beautify the environment, and provide recreation for millions."[5]
Burton was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and chair of the Agronomic Science Foundation.[1]
Education
Burton received his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1932. He received his master's degree in 1933 and Ph.D. in 1936 from Rutgers University.[2]
Awards
His notable awards, honors and distinctions included:[1][5]
- 1949 - American Society of Agronomy Stevenson Award
- 1949 - Fellow, American Society of Agronomy
- 1955 - Honorary D.Sc. degree from Rutgers University
- 1962 - Honorary D.Sc. degree from University of Nebraska
- 1968 - Agricultural Institute of Canada Recognition Award
- 1973 - DuPont Foundation Medal for Distinguished Service to Man
- 1975 - Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
- 1979 - DeKalb Crop Science Distinguished Career Award
- 1980 - USDA Distinguished Service Award
- 1980 - Southern Turfgrass Association Honorary Member Award
- 1981 - President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service
- 1982 - University of Nebraska Alumni Achievement Award
- 1982 - University of Nebraska Master Alumni Award
- 1982 - National Medal of Science, presented by President Reagan
- 1984 - Elected into University of Georgia Agricultural Alumni Hall of Fame
- 1985 - Fellow, Crop Science Society of America
- 1988 - The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Award
- 1988 - Honorary membership in the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
- 1994 - Inducted into Georgia Turfgrass Hall of Fame
- 1995 - Inducted into Georgia Golf Hall of Fame
- 1997 - Inducted into Georgia Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame
- 1997 - Crop Science Society of America Presidential Award
References
- ^ a b c Hallauer, Arnel R. Glenn Willard Burton. National Academy of Sciences: National Academies Press. 91:93.
- ^ a b Dr. Glenn W. Burton, pioneer in plant breeding Michigan State University.
- ^ a b c Kral, E. A. Glenn W. Burton: Agronomist thought to have saved millions from starvation.
- ^ Werden, Lincoln A. (January 30, 1965).Greenskeepers Urged to Obtain Water Supply on Golf Property. New York Times Section: Food Fashions Family Furnishings. p. 3.
- ^ a b Glenn W. Burton. The President's National Medal of Science.