Leif Verner

Abstract

Dr. Leif Verner, Professor and Horticulturist at the University of Idaho, at Moscow, died on June 14, 1962. The end came unexpectedly, even though he had been in failing health for many months. His role as a teacher, research scientist and friend was an illustrious one. Many orchardists and horticulturists, who never had the pleasure of knowing him, will have benefited through his research. To recount the more brilliant achievements of such a scientist is not easy. He was interested in all phases of horticulture. He investigated many of them, and treated each as if it were his specialty. The modern age of specialization produces few people of this nature. He was a fruit physiologist, a plant breeder, a botanist, and, above all, a keen observer. The 'Idared' apple, a cross between 'Jonathan' and 'Wagener', which he introduced several years ago, is proving to be an outstanding commercial variety in many parts of the nation, and, indeed, in other countries. He selected it from thousands of seedlings originating in a fruit breeding program. Sweet cherries, such as 'Ebony' and 'Spaulding', came from his breeding programs. Further tests of this nature were in progress at the time of his death.