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UK Plant Pathologist Recipient of USDA Honor Award
By
Laura Skillman
 PRINCETON,
Ky., (Oct. 25, 2006) – Don Hershman, a plant pathologist with
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, was among a
national team of scientists honored on Oct. 20 by the U.S.
Secretary of Agriculture for their work on Asian soybean rust.
Hershman and his fellow scientists were selected for the award
in the category of “Enhancing Protection and Safety of the
Nation’s Agriculture and Food Supply.” The award was presented
by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Michael Johanns at ceremonies
in Washington, D.C.
The Asian soybean rust team, a cooperative partnership between
several U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies and
universities, was recognized for planning, rapid response and
recovery of a potential disaster that was averted by using
science-based and technological strategies or addressing and
mitigating risks for a potentially devastating plant disease.
The Honor Awards are the most prestigious awards presented by
the USDA. This year there were 34 individual and group awards
for outstanding service in many fields including stewardship of
natural resources, scientific research, animal and plant disease
control, environmental innovations, education outreach,
emergency response to disasters, food safety, farm and food
program delivery, trade and export development, and rural
economic development. USDA also honored employees who performed
individual acts of heroism and courage.
“I am very humbled to be part of the team to receive the
secretary of agriculture’s Honor Award,” Hershman said.
“However, I hasten to add that there is a very large number of
individuals, both inside and outside of Kentucky, who did not
receive recognition, yet are also part of the soybean rust team.
I honor their tremendous effort and dedication. I know the rest
of those who were recognized by the Secretary of Agriculture,
feel the same way I do. I especially want to thank the 40 or so
individuals in Kentucky who have worked tirelessly over the past
two years to monitor the state for soybean rust. There are too
many names to mention, but I want to recognize that you are all
co-recipients of the Honor Award.”
Since Asian soybean rust was first discovered in the United
States in November 2004, Hershman and his fellow scientists have
worked to understand the disease and its potential impact on the
nation’s soybean producing regions. The disease has been found
in many southern states including Kentucky.
Hershman, whose office is located at the UK Research and
Education Center in Princeton, is responsible for statewide
educational and applied research programs in soybean disease
management. Participation in international, national, regional
and state level projects and programs is part of this effort.
He keeps Kentucky’s farmers abreast of the disease through a
national rust Web site, a toll-free hotline and producer
meetings. Among his responsibilities is the state’s soybean
sentinel plot network, a series of plots checked throughout the
year for signs of the disease, and overseeing laboratory work
for any samples sent to UK. He is also coordinator of the
Southern Sentinel Network.
Soybean rust was found on kudzu in Kentucky in 2005 and on
soybeans in 16 counties this year. The disease arrived late
enough to have no impact on the crop but the discoveries will
provide valuable information to scientists who are working on
predictive models for this disease. |
Contact: Don Hershman, 270-365-7541, ext. 215 |
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The UK College
of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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Copyright © 2001-2006 University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service |
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