11 Facts About Floyd Zaiger

Chris "Floyd" Zaiger was an American fruit breeder particularly known for hybrid development of stone fruit and numerous plant patents.

Chris Floyd Zaiger was born to Christian Fredrick Zaiger and Anna Marie Zaiger on April 26,1926, in Kennard, Nebraska.

Floyd Zaiger attended school until eighth grade and worked as a migrant strawberry picker.

Floyd Zaiger earned a degree in plant pathology and agricultural education in 1952 from the University of California, Davis.

Floyd Zaiger taught agriculture classes at Modesto city high schools, Livingston High School, and Modesto Junior College.

Floyd Zaiger's first patented varieties were the Royal Gold peach, introduced in 1965, and 'Crimson Gold' nectarine.

Floyd Zaiger revolutionized the plum industry by backcrossing plum-apricot hybrids with plums to create the Pluot.

Floyd Zaiger's work has reduced the chill-hours needed for fruits like cherries which allow them to be grown in warmer climates and produced peaches and nectarines that are sweet, yet firm allowing for intercontinental shipping.

Floyd Zaiger created the aprium, a hybrid cross between apricots and plums but more similar to apricots.

Floyd Zaiger married Betty Jean Taylor in 1950 and they had three children Leith, Gary, and Grant.

Floyd Zaiger died at his home in Modesto, California on June 2,2020.