FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Fruit Grower News has named Margaret Worthington, assistant professor of fruit breeding and genetics for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, one of its Fruit and Vegetable "40 Under 40" awards, celebrating young professionals making their respective marks in the horticultural industries.

"I'm very honored to be recognized with this terrific group of young horticulturists and excited to continue the tradition of cultivar development and industry impact in the UA System Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program," Worthington said.

Worthington directs the peach and muscadine grape breeding efforts for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture. She conducts research on genetics for these fruits, as well as blackberries, and teaches plant breeding and fruit production for Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

Her breeding efforts involve collaborating with faculty, students and staff of the division's department of horticulture. She also depends on input and contributions from public and private collaborators around the world.

"Dr. Worthington is taking the department's fruit breeding program to a higher level with her innovative and creative blend of traditional and molecular breeding techniques," said Wayne MacKay, head of the horticulture department. "Margaret is a leader in small fruit breeding and I am happy she is being recognized by this award."

A statement from Fruit Grower News said, "These 40 young professionals represent the best in the industry."

The Fruit and Vegetable 40 Under 40 Class of 2020 will be honored at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, and recognized in the October 2020 issues of Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at ArkAgResearch.

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system.

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.