Agronomy/Plant Pathology/Crop Sciences
University Of Illinois Milestones
The Department of Agronomy at the University of Illinois was established in 1899. But even agronomic field research at the University of Illinois dates back more than 20 years earlier with the establishment of what is now known as the Morrow Plots. While these plots have brought much notoriety to the Department, College, and University, there are many other accomplishments resulting from research conducted by Agronomy/Crop Sciences faculty that have advanced crop production. Notable milestones associated with the Department include:
| 1876 | Establishment of Morrow Plots |
| 1886 | Self and cross fertilization of corn that formed the foundation of hybrid corn |
| 1896 | Initiated classical high protein-low protein corn breeding research |
| 1903-04 | Established present Agronomy South Farm |
| 1904-20 | Established “soils” experiment fields at 30 locations around the state |
| 1903-50’s | Illinois system of permanent soil fertility (lime, manure, clover, and rock phosphate) was identified and promoted |
| 1920’s | Initiated soybean breeding programs that resulted in progressively greater yield potential and disease resistance |
| 1940 | First soybean variety released to public |
| 1945 | Developed Bray & Kurtz P-1 test |
| 1952 | Beginning of the modern era of weed science |
| 1953 | Illini Supersweet corn developed |
| 1955 | Formation of Plant Pathology Department |
| 1956 | First Agronomy Day |
| 1968 | First Agronomy Handbook |
| 1969 | First molecular biologist hired |
| 1976 | Plant diagnostic clinic opened doors |
| 1984 | Agronomy South Farm renamed to Agronomy-Plant Pathology South Farm |
| 1995 | Creation of Crop Sciences Department by merger of Agronomy and Plant Pathology Departments, and at same time Agronomy-Plant Pathology South Farm was renamed Crop Sciences Research and Education Center |
| 1995 | Recognition that crop rotation no longer effective corn rootworm control |
| mechanism | |
| 1996 | Extension Entomologists joined Crop Sciences Department |
| 2000 | Identification of soybean aphid in Illinois |
| 2004 | Identification of soybean aphid resistance gene |
While these past accomplishments are much to be proud of, the accomplishments in the next 50 years must be much greater if we are to deliver high quality food and feed while preserving natural resources and the environment.