Lawrence Datnoff, head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology in the LSU AgCenter, recently received the International Service Award from the American Phytopathological Society.

The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by society members to plant pathology in countries other than their own, was presented Aug. 5 at the American Phytopathological Society’s annual meeting in Providence, R.I.

Beginning in the 1990s, Datnoff built cooperative research projects throughout the world, influencing governmental, academic and private organizations. His work influenced regulatory policies and guidelines, and redirected cropping practices.

A renowned pioneer in the use of elemental silicon to suppress plant diseases, Datnoff initiated silicon research programs in Colombia and Brazil with subsequent collaborations with Canada, India and Japan. In addition, he was instrumental in developing a series of world conferences addressing silicon and agriculture.

An invited speaker, visiting professor and mentor in many countries, Datnoff joined the LSU AgCenter as head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology in 2008 after 20 years on the faculty at the University of Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, his master’s degree from Virginia Tech and his doctorate from the University of Illinois.

The award carries with it a cash prize, a portion of which is to be designated to the international program of the recipient’s choice. Funds for this prize are made possible from the JANE Fund (John and Ann Niederhauser Endowment).