Director of Danforth Plant Center Wins Agricultural Prize, Will Share $100,000
By William Allen
Post-Dispatch Science Writer
The Associated Press Contributed Information For This Story.

Roger N. Beachy, director of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, was awarded on Monday the 2001 Wolf Prize for agriculture.

Beachy, 56, of Clayton, will share the $100,000 prize from the Israel-based Wolf Foundation with James E. Womack of Texas A&M University.

The foundation cited Beachy for research that established key principles for genetic engineering of plants.

Beachy could not be reached for comment.

A statement released by the Danforth Center said: "We are very proud of Dr. Beachy and the fact that he has been chosen as the recipient of this prestigious award. The Wolf Foundation's mission to promote science for the benefit of mankind is closely aligned with both Dr. Beachy's personal vision as well as with the mission he is working to implement at the Danforth Plant Science Center."

The Danforth Center is a $75 million research center under construction in Creve Coeur.

Beachy has gained international recognition for finding a way in which biotechnology could help plants defend themselves against viruses. His development of a virus-fighting gene built the base for other researchers to create other forms of biotech plant defenses.

Beachy's role at the Danforth Center is not confined to biotechnology - it's a broader goal of encouraging independent research to improve crop yields and food nutrition, especially among developing nations. Another goal is to teach foreign scientists how to improve crops so they can teach new generations of scientists and farmers.

Womack, of Texas A&M, was cited by the Wolf Foundation for developing techniques to clone genes that affect economically important traits in mammals.

The prize will be presented May 13 in Israel.

back to articles index

back to top