Dow AgroSciences names new cotton development specialist for Phytogen

Dow AgroSciences is pleased to announce that recognized cotton agronomist Dr. Robert Lemon has joined PhytoGen as the newest cotton development specialist (CDS). Lemon will be the sixth cotton development specialist for PhytoGen, and the second within the state of Texas. His addition makes the CDSs at PhytoGen the strongest team of technical advisors in the cottonseed industry today.

"We are extremely pleased to bring Dr. Lemon into our PhytoGen cottonseed team. Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our growing business," says Duane Canfield, general manager and portfolio marketing leader for PhytoGen.

Lemon joins CDS Scott Fuchs in providing agronomic support for PhytoGen cottonseed and WideStrike Insect Protection in Texas. Lemon will cover the Blackland region of the state, in addition to the Brazos Valley, the Upper Gulf Coast, the Coastal Bend, and the Rio Grande Valley.

"I'm eager to join the outstanding team at Dow AgroSciences," Lemon says. "PhytoGen has outstanding genetics, cutting-edge technologies, traits, and breeding pipeline that can meet the challenges facing Texas cotton producers now and far into the future."

Lemon has been away from the cotton industry for the past two and a half years working as a partner in AgriThority. While there, Lemon led field studies in various crops and provided technical agronomic services around the globe.

"I left the university system to begin a consulting company, but I'm excited about this opportunity to get back into the cotton industry. Certain things in life put a fire in your belly - and for me, that's cotton. I have a true passion for it and the culture that surrounds it," Lemon says.

Prior to creating his own firm, Lemon spent 16 years with Texas A&M University. He spent those years as an Extension agronomist serving various roles around the state. Lemon's most recent responsibility with Texas AgriLife Extension was from 2002 to 2008 as a professor and state cotton specialist. In this role, he served as state cotton leader for the university system and technical advisor for the Texas cotton industry.

In 2007, Lemon was recognized as the Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year. Also in 2007, Lemon was awarded the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Superior Service Award. Over the years Lemon has authored or co-authored more than 160 technical publications and abstracts. Lemon earned his doctorate, master's degree and bachelor's degree in agronomy from Texas A&M University.