Luther Burbank
(March 7, 1849 - April 11, 1926)
American horticulturist, he developed many new varieties of fruits and vegetables, including the Burbank Potato (1873), the Shasta Daisy, over 100 varieties of plums and prunes and 10 varieties of berries.
In 21st century America it is difficult to imagine a plant breeder as a national celebrity - but Luther Burbank was a national celebrity. He moved to California just as the state was being transformed into an agricultural paradise for growing fruits, vegetables and nuts, and Burbank played a major role in the transformation. He creating a total of over 800 new varieties of fruits and vegetables, including some unusual ones such as a white blackberry, and a tomato/potato cross.
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