Legends of Agronomy Awardees
Fred L. Patterson
1916 – 2006
Lynn Distinguished Professor of Agronomy
Achieved breakthrough improvements in small grains
Developed Dozens of Grain Varieties
It takes at least double digits to tally every achievement of Agronomy Legend Fred Patterson, an internationally recognized plant breeder in small grains.
In his 36 years at Purdue University, he developed more than 50 small grain varieties, served as major professor for 46 graduate students and added more than 200 publications on genetics and plant breeding to agronomy’s research literature. He also was known for his early applications of new genetics discoveries to crop improvements.
His research included wheat, oats, barley, rice, sorghum, corn and alfalfa. He attained significant advancements in genetics, plant breeding, pathology and cultural practices, and oversaw development and release of 27 new wheat varieties, five types of barley and 20 oat lines, accounting for hundreds of millions of acres of crops.
Patterson taught dual level and graduate plant breeding courses, earning great respect as a teacher. He also was appreciated for his humorous quips and ready tales, many with a lesson.
Education
1941 B.S. with distinction, University of Nebraska, agronomy
1947 M.S., Kansas State University, plant breeding/pathology
1950 Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, plant breeding
Purdue Years
1950 – 1986
1986 – 2003 Professor emeritus, wheat researcher
Career Highlights
1956 Professor of Agronomy
1960 American Society of Agronomy, Fellow
1962 - 1965 Assistant Dean, Graduate School
1966 - 1986 Assistant Head, Agronomy
1968 Crop Science Society of America, President
1976 American Society of Agronomy, President
1978 Lynn Distinguished Professor
1979 Honorary Doctorate, University Nebraska
1983 Distinguished Service Award, Kansas State University
1995 Honorary Doctorate, Purdue University
1999 Purdue University Book of Great Teachers
