Kenneth F. Baker

Kenneth Frank Baker (June 3, 1908–April 16, 1996) was an American phytopathologist (plant disease researcher). In his early career he held a number of positions with the United States Forest Service and United States Department of Agriculture. Following a three-year period in Hawaii researching pineapple pathogens, he accepted a position at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he remained for twenty-one years. He was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1950 and as a fellow of the American Phytopathological Society in 1969. Additionally, he served as the editor of the Annual Review of Phytopathology for five years.

Early life and education Kenneth Frank Baker was born in Ashton, South Dakota, on June 3, 1908, to parents May and Frank Baker. He attended Washington State University, graduating in 1930 with his bachelor's degree and 1934 with his PhD.

The American Phytopathological Society noted that his 1957 publication The U.C. System for Producing Healthy Container-Grown Plants "revolutionized the nursery industry". Baker was part of the editorial board of the Annual Review of Phytopathology from its inception in 1963. He later served as its editor from 1972 to 1977.

Awards and honors Baker was elected to numerous scientific societies, including as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1950 His second marriage was to Katharine Cummings from 1944 until her death in 1992. He was married to Kathryn Brock Hoffman Baker from 1992 until his death in 1996. He died on April 16, 1996, in Albany, Oregon, at the age of 87.