Clara H. Hasse

American plant pathologist

Clara Henriette Hasse (1880–1926) was an American plant pathologist known for her pioneering work in the study of citrus diseases. She is best remembered for her discovery of the causal agent of citrus canker, a significant disease affecting citrus crops.

Early life and education

Clara H. Hasse was born in 1880 in Texas, United States. She pursued her higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, where she developed an interest in botany and plant pathology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she continued her education at the University of Chicago, where she earned her Ph.D. in botany.

Career

Clara H. Hasse

Hasse began her career as a plant pathologist at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Her work focused on the study of plant diseases, particularly those affecting economically important crops. In 1915, she made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis as the cause of citrus canker. This discovery was crucial in developing strategies to manage and control the spread of the disease, which posed a significant threat to the citrus industry.

Contributions to plant pathology

Hasse's research significantly advanced the field of plant pathology. Her work on citrus canker provided a foundation for further studies on bacterial plant diseases. She published several papers detailing her findings and methodologies, which have been widely cited in the scientific community.

Legacy

Clara H. Hasse's contributions to plant pathology have had a lasting impact on the field. Her pioneering research on citrus canker has been instrumental in shaping modern approaches to plant disease management. Despite her early death in 1926, her work continues to influence plant pathologists and researchers worldwide.

Related pages

• Plant pathology
• Citrus canker
• Xanthomonas axonopodis
• United States Department of Agriculture