Robert Willard Hodgson

Robert Willard Hodgson (1893–1962) was an American botanist and horticulturist known for his significant contributions to the field of citrus taxonomy. He was a professor at the University of California, Riverside and served as the dean of the College of Agriculture.

Early life and education

Hodgson was born in 1893 in Los Angeles, California. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture in 1916. He later received his Ph.D. in Botany from the same institution in 1925.

Career

Hodgson began his career as a botanist at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he worked on the taxonomy of citrus fruits. His work at the USDA led to the publication of The Citrus Industry, a comprehensive book on citrus taxonomy, which is still considered a seminal work in the field.

In 1948, Hodgson joined the faculty of the University of California, Riverside, where he served as the dean of the College of Agriculture until his retirement in 1957. During his tenure, he continued his research on citrus taxonomy and made significant contributions to the understanding of citrus genetics.

Legacy

Hodgson's work on citrus taxonomy has had a lasting impact on the field of botany and horticulture. His book, The Citrus Industry, remains a key reference for researchers and professionals in the field. The Robert W. Hodgson Collection at the University of California, Riverside, houses his personal papers and research materials, providing valuable resources for future research in citrus taxonomy.

See also

• Citrus taxonomy
• University of California, Riverside
• United States Department of Agriculture