Johnson, Emanuel

Emanuel Johnson

Plant Physiologist (Retired)
USDA

Emanuel L. Johnson is a distinguished retired plant physiologist who contributed significantly during his nearly four decades with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Johnson built a career on his passions for plant science and a commitment to advancing agricultural practices for the benefit of farmers and the environment.

Selected Publications: 

Johnson, E.L. and Emche, S.D., 1994. Variation of alkaloid content in Erythroxylum coca leaves from leaf bud to leaf drop. Annals of Botany, 73(6), pp.645-650.

Johnson, E.L., Saunders, J.A., Mischke, S., Helling, C.S. and Emche, S.D., 2003. Identification of Erythroxylum taxa by AFLP DNA analysis. Phytochemistry, 64(1), pp.187-197.

Johnson, E.L., Schmidt, W.F. and Norman, H.A., 1997. Leaf flavonoids as chemotaxonomic markers for two Erythroxylum taxa. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C, 52(9-10), pp.577-585.

Toppozada, A.R., Wright, J., Eldefrawi, A.T., Eldefrawi, M.E., Johnson, E.L., Emche, S.D. and Helling, C.S., 1997. Evaluation of a fiber optic immunosensor for quantitating cocaine in coca leaf extracts. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 12(2), pp.113-124.

Johnson, E.L., 1996. Alkaloid content in Erythroxylum coca tissue during reproductive development. Phytochemistry, 42(1), pp.35-38.

Early Life and Education: 

Dr. Johnson’s journey in plant physiology began with a deep-rooted fascination for the natural world. He pursued his academic interests by earning a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and later obtaining a Master’s degree in Plant Physiology. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise to make a lasting impact in his field.

Career: 

Dr. Emanuel L. Johnson is a distinguished retired plant physiologist who dedicated nearly 40 years of his career to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specializing in plants that contain controlled substances. His expertise encompassed the physiology, biochemistry, and environmental growth of plants known for producing controlled substances, including the cocaine alkaloid, marijuana, and opium poppies.

His research delved into the intricacies of their growth, development, and the factors influencing the production of controlled substances within them.

Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Johnson’s research and insights provided invaluable knowledge regarding the physiological and biochemical processes underlying the synthesis of controlled substances in these plants. His specialized expertise in plants containing controlled substances played a vital role in addressing the complex challenges associated with their cultivation and control. His work contributed to a deeper understanding of plant biology and has had a lasting impact on the fields of agriculture, law enforcement, public health, and public policy.

Dr. Johnson’s research findings and publications were instrumental in guiding efforts to monitor and control the cultivation of these plants, contributing to enhanced law enforcement strategies and responsible agricultural practices.

In his retirement, Dr. Johnson remains a respected authority in the field, providing consultation and guidance to agencies and organizations dealing with these specialized plants. He continues to share his knowledge through lectures and collaborations, ensuring that his wealth of expertise continues to benefit society.

Dr. Johnson’s remarkable career stands as a testament to the crucial intersection of science, agriculture, and public safety, and his contributions continue to inform and shape our understanding of these unique plants.

Sources: 
Photo Credit: 

Yale School of the Environment, JEDSI

Last Updated: 
10/12/2023