Pioneer Leaders in Plant Pathology: ES Luttrell

ES Luttrell was a mycologist who spent 42 of his 44 professional years at the University of Georgia, first at the Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin and later at the main campus in Athens. He is best known for his innovative classification scheme for the perithecial ascomycetes, in which orders were based on patterns of ascomal ontogeny and mode of ascus dehiscence. This work established him as an authority on ascocarp development. His later studies on the classification of the Helminthosporium complex, in which he showed that small differences in conidium germination and structure could be correlated with distinct teleomorphs, brought him recognition from plant pathologists as well. These studies were notable for his attention to detail and the quality of his work. His contributions to mycology and plant pathology were numerous and varied and brought him various awards later in his career. To his colleagues he served as administrator, teacher, mentor and friend.