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Desmond Layne

CLEMSON — Clemson University associate professor of horticulture Desmond Layne is the new president of the American Pomological Society. Pomology is the science that focuses on fruit and nut crops. He is the first Clemson faculty member to be the society’s president and the second in his family to hold the post.

Layne took office at the society’s annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. in July. He will serve a two-year term. The American Pomological Society is the oldest fruit organization in North America.

Layne is an authority on both peach and the Native American pawpaw. He is the senior editor of a new book “The Peach: Botany, Production and Uses.” The work of 49 contributors from nine countries, the book is being cited as the most comprehensive guide to peaches ever published.

At Clemson since 1997, Layne works closely with regional peach growers. He is the Clemson Extension State Program Team Leader for Horticulture; he is so well known for his work that some call him “Dr. Peach.” South Carolina is the No. 2 peach-producing U.S. state behind California.

Peach research has been a family pursuit. Layne’s father, Richard E.C. Layne of Ontario, Canada, was a peach breeder and the society’s president from 1991 through 1992.

Founded in 1848, the society fosters scientific research and production practices of fruit growing and variety development. It has several hundred members worldwide and publishes the Journal of the American Pomological Society.

The society Web site is http://www.americanpomological.org.