James F. Harrington

Profile photo of James F. Harington from 1949

In Memoriam
Professor Emeritus of Vegetable Crops
1916—2002

JAMES FOSTER HARRINGTON

Birth: November 24, 1916, Newark, New Jersey
Death: April 12, 2002, Davis, California

Education:

  • B.S., Vegetable Crops, The Ohio State University, 1939
  • M.S., Vegetable Crops, The Ohio State University, 1940
  • Ph.D., Plant Physiology, Cornell University, 1944

Employment:

  • Assistant Professor, Iowa State University, 1944–1946
  • Faculty, University of California, Davis, 1946–1980
    • Professor of Vegetable Crops
    • Olericulturist, Agricultural Experiment Station

Honors, Awards, and Professional Societies: 

  • Award of Honor, American Seed Trade Association (1964)
  • “Man of the Year,” Pacific Seedsmen’s Association (1967)
  • Honorary Member, Commercial Seed Technologists (1980)
  • Fulbright Research Fellow (1954)
  • USDA Research Fellow (1962)
  • Board of Directors, California Crop Improvement Association (30+ years)

Research Contributions and Impact

James Harrington was internationally recognized for his pioneering research in seed physiology, production, storage, and quality. His most enduring contribution, known worldwide as “Harrington’s Rule,” demonstrated that seed longevity doubles for every 1% decrease in seed moisture content or every 10°F decrease in storage temperature, within specific limits. This principle remains foundational in seed storage and shipping practices globally.

Harrington’s studies on seed moisture, hermetic and vacuum packaging, and lipid peroxidation in seed deterioration shaped modern seed science. His work directly advanced the hybrid vegetable seed industry and provided practical solutions for California seed growers. He developed methods and storage guidelines still used to maintain seed vigor and viability across multiple crop species.

Publications and Scholarly Leadership

Harrington authored widely cited reviews and technical reports on seed vigor, storage, and testing. His publications became classics in seed science and continue to influence seed physiology and storage research.

Teaching and Mentorship

At UC Davis, Harrington taught seed production courses for more than three decades, influencing an entire generation of students. He also taught specialized seed courses at institutions such as Mississippi State University. His teaching combined scientific rigor with applied knowledge, preparing students for leadership roles in seed science and agriculture.

Collaboration and Community

Harrington worked closely with California’s seed industry and served as a trusted advisor to seed organizations worldwide. His contributions extended to global initiatives with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), USAID, the International Seed Testing Association, and the Rockefeller Foundation, which named him a Rockefeller International Professor in 1969. He traveled to more than 100 countries, helping to design seed storage facilities and train professionals in seed preservation techniques.

Legacy

James F. Harrington is remembered as one of the most influential figures in seed science. His discoveries, particularly Harrington’s Rule, continue to guide seed storage practices worldwide. He played a pivotal role in establishing California as a leader in seed production and helped harmonize international seed standards. His lifelong dedication to research, teaching, and service made him a global ambassador for UC Davis and the seed industry.

References

For additional tributes, interviews, and biographies, see the following resources: