UF sweet corn researcher awarded prestigious academic honor

University of Florida (UF) horticultural sciences’ Marcio Resende has received a distinguished academic appointment.

Resende, an Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) assistant professor of corn and potato genomics and breeding in UF’s Horticultural Sciences Department in Gainesville, Florida, has been named the Lyle C. Dickman Eminent Scholar Chair in Plant Improvement.

Resende was appointed as an Eminent Scholar Chair in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, an honorable position reserved for distinguished faculty members who provide the university with exemplary expertise in their fields, according to a news release.

“Resende’s innovative research in plant breeding and genetics have focused on improving crop resilience, enhancing nutritional quality and increasing yield potential, which are critical for addressing global food security challenges,” according to the release.

The renewable position is granted for five years and provides research funding for specific goals. This specific chair award is granted to support the pursuit of plant improvement in vegetable crops. It was endowed by the Dickman family, a well-known Florida vegetable-farming family.

“These eminent scholar chair positions elevate the academic profile of the University of Florida and sustain excellence in research, provide incentives to facilitate hiring, assist in retaining outstanding faculty and provide resources for outstanding faculty,” said Rob Gilbert, UF/IFAS dean for research and executive director for academic affairs.

In the 1920s, Paul Dickman relocated to Florida from Missouri. He and his descendants started fruit and vegetable cooperatives that helped nickname Ruskin, Florida, as “America’s Salad Bowl.” Today, brothers Glenn, Ned and Paul Dickman run the Artesian Farms tomato growing operation which packs through Tomatoes of Ruskin.

Resende said he is humbled to receive the honor.

“I am grateful to the Dickman family and the Dickman Educational Foundation for the support of plant breeding, and I look forward to continuing our efforts in variety development, plant breeding research and student training,” Resende said in the release.