Dr. Dale Emmert Kester

International Award of Honor, 2003

Dale Emmert Kester was born in Iowa and earned a B.S. degree in Horticulture from Iowa State College, his M.S. in Horticulture from the University of California, Davis, and his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology also from University of California, Davis.  Immediately after graduation, he joined the faculty in the Department of Pomology as an Instructor of Pomology and Junior Pomologist.  Upon his retirement in 1991, he became Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Kester, along with his collegue, Dr. Hudson Hartmann, taught the Plant Propagation course at UC Davis and co-authored the now globally known and internationally acclaimed textbook "Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices" in 1959. 

Dr. Kester helped form the Western Region of the IPPS and served the IPPS in many capacities, including WR President in 1997.  He is also a member of many other scientific and honorary societies.