TWO N.C. STATE PROFESSORS NAMED FELLOWS OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY

Dr. J. Lawrence Apple and Dr. Gary Payne, two professors in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University, have been honored with Fellow awards by the American Phytopathological Society (APS). APS, whose membership includes 5,000 plant pathologists and scientists world wide, is the premier international scientific organization advancing modern concepts in plant disease control in agricultural, urban and forest settings. The Fellow award, which is granted to less than 1 percent of APS membership, recognizes outstanding contributions in extension, research, teaching or other activity related to plant pathology, to the profession, or to the society.

Apple, professor emeritus of plant pathology, has devoted the past 20 years of his career in promoting Integrated Pest Management, the ecological approach to controlling pests and diseases by the most judicious use of chemicals and other inputs. He has earned international recognition for developing plants with genetic resistance to soil-borne fungal diseases, and serves as secretary general of the International Plant Protection Congresses, which promote crop protection sciences world wide.

Payne, a professor of plant pathology, has gained international recognition for his contributions to understanding the biosynthesis of aflatoxin, a fungus-produced toxic compound found in crops. A member of APS since 1971, Payne conducts research and teaching on fungal genetics and physiology in the in the Department of Plant Pathology within the university's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Apple, a native of Guilford County, lives in Raleigh with his wife Ella.

Payne, who grew up in Thomasville, N.C., lives in Raleigh with his wife Rebecca Bryant Payne and their daughter Karen.