News Release Distributed 02/02/10
Abner Hammond, professor of entomology at the LSU AgCenter, has been honored with the 2010 Distinguished Achievement Award from the National Sweet Potato Research Council. This award is given for long-term and distinguished service to the sweet potato industry. Hammond specializes in management of sweet potato insect pests, especially the sweet potato weevil.
After receiving his Ph.D. in entomology from LSU in 1967 and a brief stint as a research scientist in Alabama, he joined the entomology faculty at LSU in 1968, where he has remained since.
Hammond’s extension appointment focuses on pest management in sweet potatoes and making recommendations to the Louisiana industry.
In 2004, he was invited to serve as a distinguished lecturer and expert in control of sweet potato pests by the Japan International Cooperative Agency. He has published more than 125 research and extension articles and written four book chapters. He holds one patent jointly with colleagues for the Bienville sweet potato, which was awarded in 2004. Hammond was among the team of scientists to receive the Tipton Team Award from the LSU AgCenter in 2002 and was recognized as “Mr. Yam” in 2003 by the directors of the Opelousas, La., Yambilee Festival.
Linda Foster Benedict