2001 Recipient of the Arthur T. Potts Award
Dr. J. Victor French
Dr. J. Victor French is Professor and Citrus Entomologist at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center. He joined the Citrus Center in 1973, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1977, and to Professor in 1982. He was Interim Director of the Citrus Center for two years, 1994 to 1995. Dr. French is a well respected Citrus Entomologist. His contributions to the citrus industry is highly regarded by the agribusiness community. He has discovered and reported six pests that are new to citrus in the Valley; including citrus red mite, barnacle scale, coffee bean weevil, a new species of false spider mite, broad mite, and citrus leafminer. Dr. French’s research with new agricultural chemicals led to full registrations for at least nine pesticides (Agrimek, Lorsban, Logic, Orthene, Supracide, Talstar, Temik, Vendix, and Vydate). In addition, his work led to Section 18 labeling for several other chemicals. Dr. French has been very active in the Rio Grande Valley Horticultural Society. He held virtually all offices in the society including: President of the RGVHS in 1979 and again in 1999; treasurer from 1974 to 1978; section Vice-President and Director of Fruits 1985-86; and Associate Journal Editor 1989-1991 and 1996-1999. He has given numerous presentations at the Annual RGVH Society Institute. Moreover, he holds a unique honor of having the highest number of publications in the society’s journal. Three times his work was featured on the front cover of the Journal of the RGVHS.