Geneva, New York
October 23, 2001
By Peter Seem
Cornell University professor of horticultural sciences, Alan
Lakso, was chosen a 2001 Fellow
by the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS).
Lakso seeks to understand the environmental and physiological
limitations of the biological and economic productivity of
apples and grapes, with a focus on growth and development,
stress physiology and the effects of cultural practices. The
information is used to establish economically feasible,
efficient and environmentally sound cultural practices to obtain
high yields of the highest quality fruit.
Many scientists use a reductionist approach, seeking to isolate
one variable while keeping all other factors constant. "But it
doesn't work that way in the field," said Lakso, which is why
his program concentrates on integrating different factors and
looking at their interaction. "We combine and look at the
interactions between the basic growth and development of the
crop, the environment and the cultural practices."
"Professionally, it's a very meaningful award," said Hugh Price,
chairman of the horticultural sciences department at the New
York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, where
Lakso works. "Alan's program is very innovative and creative and
greatly expands our understanding of the growth and development
of tree fruit and grapes."
Although the department has had other fellows in the past,
including the late viticulturist Nelson Shaulis, former chair
Walt Kender and Professor Emeritus Michael H. Dickson, Lakso is the only fellow in ASHS currently working
at the Experiment Station.
ASHS is a professional society with 4,000 members composed of
plant scientists, teachers, administrators, extension agents,
government workers and growers whose mission is to promote and
encourage scientific research and education in horticulture
within the United States and throughout the world. A member is
elected to be a fellow by the selection committee in recognition
of contributions both to horticultural science and to the
society.
Lakso has been a member of ASHS since the mid-'70's. He has
served on and/or chaired many of the society's working groups,
committees and task forces. He has conducted peer reviews for
papers and manuscripts submitted to the Journal of American
Society For Horticultural Science and to HortScience, two of the
society's three serial publications.
Lakso received his B.S. in 1970 and his Ph.D. in 1973, both from
the University of California-Davis. He was appointed assistant
professor at Cornell in 1973, became associate professor in
1979, and full professor in 1986.
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Linda McCandless, Director
Communications Services
NYS Agricultural Experiment Station
Jordan Hall 360 North Street
Geneva, NY 14456-0462
E-mail: llm3@cornell.edu
Cell: 607-227-5920
Fax: 315-787-2276
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/
Cornell U news release
N3900
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