Family: Joe Burton (son)

Glenn W. Burton
Pearl millet, Tifton
Born(1910-05-05)May 5, 1910
Clatonia, Gage County, Nebraska
DiedNovember 22, 2005(2005-11-22) (aged 95)
Tifton, Georgia
Alma materUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln
Rutgers University
Awards President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service (1981)
Scientific career
FieldsAgricultural scientist
Award design, from Executive Order

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]

References

  1. ^ a b c Hallauer, Arnel R. Glenn Willard Burton. 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. New York Times Section: Food Fashions Family Furnishings. p. 3.
  5. ^ a b Glenn W. Burton. The President's National Medal of Science.
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