Dr. Burton is a research agronomist with the USDA-ARS at Raleigh, and holds adjunct appointment as professor of
Crop Science at North Carolina State Univ. He conducts research on the genetics of soybean, the development of
breeding methodology for quantitative traits, and the development of germplasm to improve production efficiency
and intrinsic seed quality. Basic studies have examined relationships between soybean seed composition and
productivity. He has investigated several recurrent selection methods for soybean, which were then used to
successfully improve seed yield, seed size, seed composition, and oil quality. He is co-breeder of nine cultivars.
Dr. Burton developed a breeding program for the simultaneous selection of higher yield and seed protein concentration
and a parallel breeding program for alteration of oil composition. Dr. Burton and collaborating scientists have
developed knowledge about protein and oil biosynthesis which has resulted in the public release of a higher protein
cultivar, 'Prolina', and the cultivar 'Satelite' with reduced concentrations of linolenic and palmitic acid in seed oil.
| FRED S. FARMER, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN |
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| EARL B. HUIE, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN |
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| ROBERT W. MCMILLEN, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN |
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| CONNIE D. BRYANT, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/SECRETARY |
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| KEITH O. ROBINSON, GRADUATE STUDENT |
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