Plant Science

Nearly 300 linear feet of materials

Collections in this category focus on the taxonomy, genetics, and physical structures of plants, and largely consist of historical research in the fields of botany, agronomy, pomology, and horticulture. Although materials relating to the scientific study of agricultural plants are not excluded, the collections in this category emphasize the biological and ecological aspects of plants, rather than their uses.

Several collections focus specifically on the anatomy and physiology of plant structures, including the papers of Ledyard G. Stebbins (world renowned geneticist), Esau, Proebsting, Weier, and Alden Crafts.

Information regarding plant varieties indigenous to specific geographic regions is the focus of three collections: the papers of Knowles Ryerson, Jack Major, and Harry Butterfield.

Materials comprise several formats; materials of a graphic nature, including drawings, original artwork, and posters are particularly abundant. There are no geographical or chronological limits to the collection, and the majority of the materials are in the English language. Related materials can be found under the headings of Agriculture, Agricultural Technology, Food Processing and Manufacture, Natural Resources, and Viticulture and Enology; see also the archives of the Botany and Pomology Departments in the University Archives.

Collections

Bodger, John & Sons Company Records
(D-534)
Company catalogs and price lists, press releases, black and white negatives, prints, slides, and scrapbooks. John Bodger and Sons Company, founded in 1890 in California, was a breeder and producer of flower seeds. Bodger Seeds Ltd, a division of the company, was responsible for breeding and production operations. In 2009, the Bodger Company sold its holdings. During its history, Bodger had operating sites in locations in California at Santa Paula, Los Angeles, Gardena, South El Monte, Lompoc, Covina, Chino and also in Chile at Quillota.
Brown, Dillon S. Papers
(MC020)
The collection contains several examples of Brown's writings including a typescript of the first volume of his history of the Department of Pomology (1984) and a talk he gave at Apple Day (1967). Professor of Pomology at University of California, Davis (1949-1979).
Butterfield, H. M. (Harry Morton) Papers
(D-086)
Manuscripts, research material, and photographs on the history of horticulture in California. Agricultural Extension Agent, University of California (1914-1955); Garden Editor, Oakland Tribune (1955-1960); past President, California Horticultural Society.
C.M. Silva & Son Correspondence
(D-417)
135 letters written to C. M. Silva & Son from 1874-1879. Also included is one volume of outgoing correspondence from July to December 1886. The correspondence discusses growing fruit trees and plants, orders for their fruit and plant stock, shipping procedures, the quality of their products, and account debits and credits. Charles M. Silva (1823-1894) and his son Edward B. Silva (1854-1952) operated C.M. Silva & Son, a nursery specializing in fruit trees and plants, in Newcastle, California.
California Native Plant Society Collection
(D-376)
Organization records including photocopies of correspondence, membership records, newsletters, notes, news clippings, publications, and photographs. Also includes a small amount of material related to the Native Plant Society of New Mexico. Originally formed in 1965 in the east bay region, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit organization of amateurs and professionals with a common interest in California's native plants.
Campbell, Robert N. Papers
(D-502)
Correspondence, notes, and reprints related to Campbell's work as Professor of Plant Pathology. Professor of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis (1959-1993).
Campbell, Robert N. Slides
(MC022)
Ninety-three 35mm slides, most of which were taken by Campbell, during his academic career. Subjects include: campus scenes, people, agricultural machinery and practices, and the Central Valley. Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis (1959-1993).
Crafts, Alden S. (1897-1990). Papers.
(D-153)
Published and unpublished manuscripts, correspondence, reprints and radiographs relating to chemical weed control research employing autoradiography to trace the movements of herbicides through plants. Professor of Botany, University of California, Davis (1937-1965).
Crampton, Beecher (1918-2003). Papers.
(D-382)
Research material on grasses, lecture notes, and correspondence. Curator of the University of California, Davis, Herbarium, herbarium botanist and lecturer.
DeDecker, Mary. Papers.
(D-519)
DeDecker's correspondence, publications, as well as materials related to the Owens Valley Unified School District, the Inyo County Museum, and the Eureka Dunes. Botanist and conservationist of the Inyo region of California; founder of the Bristlecone Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.

Many collections are stored offsite and should be requested at least 7 business days in advance of your visit.

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