2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Wilson Popenoe, famed horticulturist, botanist and agricultural explorer, one of the most influential figures during the 20th century in Central American agriculture, plant science and education - used science to improve food availability, medicine , create sustainable lifestyles and educate. He led global popularization of his beloved avocado - now over a million commercial tons per year. He blazed trails through valleys and mountains, seeking and collecting avocados, citrus and other fruits of value, known in Guatemala as ‘el gringo aguacatero.’

These and his USDA Office of Seed and Plant Introduction activities have left his initials carved deeply on our horticulture with a professional career any plantsman would envy. His 1920 Manual of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits, still introduces many little known fruits to horticulturalists and growers. Popenoe’s creation of Lancetilla Botanical Garden in Tela, Honduras, led to his directorship of all tropical research for United Fruit Company - leading the introduction of hundreds of varieties of tropical plants and new crops. Responding to one of the great unmet needs in Central America, Popenoe created an agricultural school with practical scientific courses - Escuela Agrίcola Panamericana, Zamorano University. As its first rector he embeded the style and educational methodology of “Learn by Doing,” for sixteen years, instilling his vision, spirit and passion to hundreds of Latin American students. Retiring to his home in Antigua, Guatemala, he remained active at Zamorano. Popenoe’s legacy transcends time, geography and culture - his spirit and philosophy planted in the hearts of generations of Zamoranos.