(1845 - 1946)
Professor / Department Head,
Horticulture, Mycology, & Entomology
Vice Director, Virginia Agricultural
Experiment Station (1888 - 1904)"The splendid service which you rendered this institution will ever be remembered, and it is my hope that some day your name will be honored in some permanent manner, which will remain here for all time to let those who come after us know of your part in the making of this institution." - President Julian A. Burruss, February 3, 1927
Internationally acclaimed scientist William Alwood taught safe pesticide use and non-chemical management of plant diseases and insects. A leader of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, first located on this site, he quickly controlled an invasive insect in 1892, earning the reputation as savior of the fruit industry and father of Virginia Horticulture. He founded the Virginia State Horticultural Society, was the first state entomologist, headed the Pest Commission, and pushed enactment of the first pest control law in the Eastern U.S. He advised the Bicycle Club of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI, now Virginia Tech), conducted international research and toured orchards statewide on a bicycle, and planted hundreds of trees across the campus. The remaining tree among them was dedicated to him in 2011. Alwood became USDA's Enological Investigations Chief and an internatational viticulture leader. His numerous honors include the 1923 VPI Certificate of Merit and a 2011 Special Citation honoring his lifetime contributions and loyalty to Virginia Tech.
Alwood Plaza completed in 2012Donated by the Alwood and M. J. Weaver Families and the Virginia State Horticultural Society
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