William L. Brown (geneticist)

William Lacy Brown (July 16, 1913 – March 8, 1991) was an American geneticist notable for breeding programs in maize, sorghum, soybeans and wheat.[1][2] He was president, chairman and chief executive of Pioneer Hi-Bred International.[2] He was also a director of the Rockefeller Foundation's advisory committee on maize.[2] Brown was elected to the National Academies of Science.[2][3] The National Academies Press said that Brown "made significant and lasting contributions to increasing and stabilizing food production worldwide".[1]

Career and life

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Brown received his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1941. For almost his entire career of 40 years, he was with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, one of the world's largest manufacturers of hybrid seed corn.[2]


Awards and distinctions

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References

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