I. L. Serbinov: milifaceted personality of a scientist

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the outstanding Ukrainian scientist Ivan Lvovich Serbinov (1872–1925). The life and activity of the researcher took place during a rather difficult time. It includes several revolutions, the First World and civil wars, fundamental changes in social and political spheres. But despite all the difficulties, this period was also marked by significant scientific achievements, emerging a large number of outstanding scientists, in particular, in the field of biology. Having studied the scientific heritage of the investigator, it is possible to prove the exceptional versatility of his activity. I. L. Serbinov worked in the field of mycology, microbiology, phytopathology, studied insect and fish diseases. He wrote more than 100 works and twice as many essays and abstracts dedicated to phytopathology. However, the biggest breakthrough in science is his research on bacterial plant diseases. Serbinov developed a method of studying plant bacteriosis; described and studied causative agents of diseases on potatoes, beets and other garden plants, fruit trees and grapes; discovered new species of bacteria parasitic on plants. Formulated by Serbinov’s doctrine on mixed infection is a valuable contribution to the theoretical and practical achievements in microbiology. In addition to the research field, the authors emphasize the lecturing and popularizing activities of the scientist. The main directions of research in various periods of Serbinov’s life such as St. Petersburg, Crimea and Odesa are also analyzed. It is noted that the scientist’s priority in many fields of biological science was recognized not only by his contemporaries – A. A. Yachevsky, M. S. Voronin, A. S. Bondartsev, but also the following generations of researchers, among which were M. V. Horlenko, K. H. Beltyukova, R. I. Hvozdyak etc.