Updated at 5:07 p.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Hawaii plant pathologist named to USDA Hall of Fame
Advertiser Staff
Dennis Gonsalves, director for the USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, was selected for the USDA Agricultural Research Service Science Hall of Fame for a discovery leading to papaya plants that fend off the ringspot virus.Gonsalves, an inventor of the genetically modified papaya, also is a plant pathologist.
He "is respected by colleagues worldwide for his pioneering research on viruses that attack fruits and vegetables," said research service Administrator Edward Knipling, in a news release. "Among other accomplishments, Dr. Gonsalves led a team that used techniques of modern biotechnology to equip papaya plants with resistance to papaya ringspot virus."
The research service's Science Hall of Fame program, established in 1986, recognizes agency researchers for outstanding career achievements in agricultural sciences. Recipients must be retired or eligible to retire to receive the award.
Plaques honoring the inductees are on permanent display at the ARS National Visitor Center, Beltsville, Md. The Agricultural Research Service is the USDA's chief scientific research agency.
