Glenn W. Burton

Family: Joe Burton (son)

Glenn W. Burton
Pearl millet, Tifton
Born(1910-05-05)May 5, 1910
DiedNovember 22, 2005(2005-11-22) (aged 95)
Alma materUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln
Rutgers University
Awards President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service (1981)
Scientific career
FieldsAgricultural 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] His Tifton 419 was the most widely used Bermuda grass worldwide 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]

References

  1. ^ a b c Hallauer, Arnel R. Glenn Willard Burton. Archived 2015-09-05 at the Wayback Machine National Academy of Sciences: National Academies Press. 91:93.
  2. ^ a b Dr. Glenn W. Burton, pioneer in plant breeding Michigan State University.
  3. ^ a b c Kral, E. A. Glenn W. Burton: Agronomist thought to have saved millions from starvation. Archived 2012-02-07 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Werden, Lincoln A. (January 30, 1965).Greenskeepers Urged to Obtain Water Supply on Golf Property. Archived 2018-07-22 at the Wayback Machine New York Times Section: Food Fashions Family Furnishings. p. 3.
  5. ^ a b Glenn W. Burton. Archived 2012-10-23 at the Wayback Machine The President's National Medal of Science.