Donald J. Durzan

Profile photo of Don Durzan

In Memoriam
Professor Emeritus, Department Chair
1936-2023

DONALD JOHN DURZAN

Birth: August 4, 1936, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Death: October 1, 2023, Rocklin, CA

Education:

  • B.S., Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, 1959
  • Ph.D., Biochemistry and Genetics, Cornell University, 1963

Employment:

  • Canadian Department of Northern Affairs and Natural Resources at Chalk River, 1959, 1965-1980
  • UC Davis, 1981
    • Departments: Pomology
    • Chair, Department of Pomology, 1981-1985

Honors, Awards, and Professional Societies

  • NASA Innovation Award
  • Mendel Medal, International Union of Forest Research Organizations, Mendel University, Brno, Czech Republic (2012)
  • Recognized contributor to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s advanced research efforts
  • Collaborator with international agencies including UNESCO, World Bank, U.S. AID, NSERC (Canada), and the Nordic Industrial Foundation

Research Contributions and Impact

Donald Durzan was a pioneer in plant cell and tissue culture, particularly in conifer biotechnology. He discovered new metabolic pathways in conifers using radioactive tracer chromatography and autoradiography. At Chalk River and later at UC Davis, he developed technologies for somatic embryogenesis and protoplast culture to support forest regeneration and crop improvement.
His work contributed to the cloning of forest trees and the breeding of late-maturing perennial species. A significant outcome was his U.S. patent on conifer cloning by somatic embryogenesis, later licensed to Weyerhaeuser. He led research on Taxol biosynthesis and recovery from Taxus cell cultures, culminating in the development of a novel magnetic antibody technique. His lab also contributed to experiments on the effects of microgravity on biosynthesis using space-modified bioreactors.

Publications and Scholarly Leadership

Durzan published extensively on somatic embryogenesis, forest biotechnology, and plant physiology. Notable works include articles in Plant Cell Reports, Nature Biotechnology, and the co-edited volume Cell and Tissue Culture in Forestry. He authored reports for the UC Agricultural Experiment Station and contributed to public science through outreach and international collaboration.

Teaching and Mentorship

As department chair and professor at UC Davis, Durzan guided research on tree biochemistry and metabolic challenges in fruit and nut crops. He advised graduate students and helped shape the curriculum in pomology and biotechnology.

Collaboration and Community

Durzan’s work intersected with multiple global and national agencies, including NASA, NIH, NATO, and the U.S. State Department. He promoted forest biotechnology internationally through collaborations across South America, Europe, and Asia. He participated in Cooperative Extension activities and applied his expertise to both agricultural development and scientific diplomacy.

Legacy

Donald Durzan's career spanned discoveries in conifer metabolism to tree cloning and the development of plant-derived pharmaceuticals. His leadership helped usher biotechnology into both forestry and agriculture, with applications ranging from commercial cultivation to space research.

References