Alan Francis Hawkins

Title: Alan Francis Hawkins: Innovator in Plant Breeding

Introduction

Alan Francis Hawkins is a notable inventor based in Ankeny, Iowa, with a focus on agricultural innovations. He holds three patents that contribute significantly to the field of plant breeding, particularly in developing glyphosate-resistant plants and hybrid crop production methods.

Latest Patents

Hawkins' latest patents include a "Method of breeding glyphosate resistant plants," which describes a technique for breeding plants that inherit glyphosate resistance through a transgene. This method ensures that all resulting progeny plants or seeds are glyphosate resistant by eliminating male gametes that do not carry the resistance transgene. Another significant patent is the "Method of hybrid crop production using dehydrated pollen from storage." This invention outlines a hybrid field production method that utilizes preserved pollen and a pollen bank for breeding purposes, allowing for the use of stored pollen instead of relying on pollen-producing plants in the production field.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Hawkins has worked with prominent companies such as Garst Seed Company and Zenco Limited. His contributions to these organizations have helped advance agricultural practices and improve crop resilience.

Collaborations

Hawkins has collaborated with notable individuals in his field, including John A. Greaves and Daren Kenneth Coonrod. These partnerships have fostered innovation and development in plant breeding techniques.

Conclusion

Alan Francis Hawkins is a distinguished inventor whose work in plant breeding has made a lasting impact on agriculture. His innovative patents and collaborations highlight his commitment to advancing agricultural science and improving crop production methods.