Peter Posnette facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adrian Frank Posnette
CBE |
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|---|---|
| Born | 11 January 1914 Kings Norton, England
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| Died | 17 July 2004 (aged 90) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Christ's College, Cambridge |
| Known for | Plant pathology |
| Spouse(s) | Isabelle La Roche |
| Awards | CBE(1976) Fellow of the Royal Society (1971) Victoria Medal of Honour (1982) |
Peter Posnette (whose real name was Adrian Frank Posnette) was a famous British scientist. He was born on January 11, 1914, and passed away on July 17, 2004. Peter Posnette was a plant pathologist. This means he studied plant diseases and how to stop them.
He is best known for his important work in West Africa. There, he helped save the cocoa crop from diseases. This work earned him the nickname 'the Father of Modern Chocolate'. Later, he worked in the UK to find ways to protect plants like apples and strawberries.
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Early Life and Education
Peter Posnette went to Pate's Grammar School in Cheltenham. After that, he studied at Christ's College, Cambridge University.
When he was younger, Posnette was a very good sportsman. He played football and cricket for his school's top team. He also played football at university. He even played several games for a team called Bedouins. This team was made up mostly of university students.
Saving Cocoa in West Africa
After finishing university in 1935, Peter Posnette joined the Colonial Agricultural Service. He received a special scholarship for research. This scholarship took him to the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad.
From 1937 to 1949, Posnette worked in West Africa. This is where he became well-known for his research. He helped protect the cocoa crop, which is used to make chocolate. He developed new types of cocoa plants called Trinitaro hybrids. These plants were much better at fighting off diseases. His work was so important that people called him 'the Father of Modern Chocolate'.
Plant Research in the UK
After his time in West Africa, Peter Posnette returned to the United Kingdom. He began working at the East Malling Research Station. Here, he focused on finding solutions for plant diseases. His research helped protect important crops like apples and strawberries.
In 1957, he became the Head of Plant Pathology at East Malling. This meant he was in charge of all the plant disease research. Later, in 1972, he became the Deputy Director of the station. He also worked as a visiting professor at Wye College. This college was part of the University of London.
Awards and Recognition
Peter Posnette received many important awards for his scientific work. In 1971, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. In 1976, he was made a CBE. This award is given by the British monarch for great achievements.
In 1982, he received the Victoria Medal of Honour. This special award comes from the Royal Horticultural Society. It is given to British horticulturists who have made outstanding contributions. A sculpture of Peter Posnette can be seen at the Royal Society. It shows him talking with another famous professor, Geoffrey Emett Blackman. Blackman's wife, Audrey, created the sculpture.
