José María Fernández Martínez was a leading figure in research on annual oilseed crops. Over more than four decades, he combined scientific insight with an exceptional ability to turn knowledge into practical advances for agriculture. Trained in California under the renowned oilseed breeder Paul F. Knowles, he joined the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) in Córdoba, Spain, in 1975, where he helped launch the first sunflower breeding programmes tailored to Spanish conditions. His work left a lasting mark on crops such as sunflower, safflower, and carinata, through the development of pioneering inbred lines, innovative oil-quality traits, the introgression of broomrape-resistance genes from wild Helianthus species, and the establishment of improved germplasm in several species. He also played an essential role in safeguarding plant genetic resources by collecting local sunflower and castor seed materials across Spain.
His scientific production was extensive, including more than 150 articles in leading journals, numerous book chapters, and conference presentations. He served as editor of the FAO’s Sesame and Safflower Newsletter, which helped give international visibility to research from developing regions. A generous mentor and collaborator, he cultivated a broad network of colleagues who valued his openness and integrity.
In 2004, he received the prestigious Pustovoit Prize from the International Sunflower Association in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sunflower research. After retiring as Research Professor at the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (CSIC), he remained active as Professor ad honorem, leaving behind a legacy defined by scientific excellence, innovation, and deep commitment to sustainable agriculture.
May his soul rest in peace.
