Position Title
In Memoriam
Distinguished Professor Emeritus
1916-2022
Emanuel Epstein
Birth: November 5, 1916, Germany
Death: December 4, 2022, Davis, California
Education
- B.S., Pomology, University of California, Davis, 1940
- M.S., Horticulture, University of California, Davis, 1941
- Ph.D., Plant Physiology, University of California, Berkeley, 1950
Military Service
- U.S. Army, World War II
Employment
- 1950–1958: Research Scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland
- Pioneered the use of radioisotopes in plant micronutrient research
- 1958–1987: Faculty Member, Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition, UC Davis
- Appointed Professor of Plant Nutrition in 1965
- Joint appointment as Professor of Botany in 1974
- 1987–2022: Professor Emeritus, UC Davis
- Remained active in research, publishing, mentoring, and collaborative work for more than 30 years post-retirement
Research Contributions and Impact
Epstein was a leading figure in plant mineral nutrition, making foundational contributions to the understanding of ion transport in plants. He was the first to apply enzyme kinetics to nutrient uptake, identifying distinct high- and low-affinity transport systems and demonstrating sodium/proton exchange in vacuolar membranes. His work advanced the understanding of calcium’s role in ion selectivity and the genetic mechanisms of nutrient transport.
His research also extended into applied agriculture, where he conducted early feasibility studies on seawater-based crop production and introduced salt tolerance traits from wild species into cultivated varieties of wheat, barley, and tomatoes. In his later years, Epstein championed the recognition of silicon as an essential element in plant physiology, due to its protective functions against environmental stress.
Publications and Scholarly Leadership
Epstein authored over 140 scientific articles and two editions of the standard textbook on plant mineral nutrition. His work was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Annual Review of Plant Physiology and Plant Molecular Biology, International Review of Cytology, and numerous other journals. His writing often bridged the gap between basic science and agricultural applications.
Teaching and Mentorship
Epstein was a passionate and rigorous instructor known for his undergraduate course in plant nutrition, which included a demanding laboratory component. He emphasized clear scientific communication, requiring students to write lab reports of publishable quality. He mentored many graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a commitment to inquiry and scientific responsibility.
Collaboration and Community
Epstein collaborated widely across disciplines, including with material scientists, to quantify silicon effects on plant surfaces. He worked closely with colleagues in vegetable crops, botany, and international research programs, contributing to crop improvement initiatives in arid regions and participating in National Research Council efforts. His influence extended beyond academia into global agricultural development.
Legacy
Emanuel Epstein’s legacy lies in his pioneering research on ion transport and mineral nutrition, his mentorship of generations of scientists, and his unwavering commitment to integrating fundamental plant science with global agricultural challenges. His contributions helped shape modern plant physiology and influenced both theory and practice in crop science. He remained a vital presence in the UC Davis scientific community well into his 90s, embodying a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and public service through science.
References
For additional tributes, interviews, and biographies, see the following resources: