Former longtime North Carolina State University peanut breeder, Dr. Tom Isleib, passed away Jan. 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
In 1990, Isleib began his career with NCSU as leader of peanut breeding after being a graduate student. NC12C would be Isleib’s first cultivar released.
Isleib joined the American Peanut Research and Education Society in 1991 and was an active and dedicated member of our community for decades. He made significant contributions to the field of peanut research, earning recognition through numerous awards and honors, including being named an APRES Fellow in 2007.
Tom’s commitment to APRES was unwavering, serving on the Board of Directors for two terms from 2001-2004 and 2010-2013, and as President from 2002-2003. He was also involved in various committees until 2018, continuing to share his expertise and passion for the peanut industry. Throughout his career, Tom was recognized with prestigious awards such as the 2014 Coyt T. Wilson Distinguished Service Award and the 2001 Dow AgroSciences Award for Excellence in Research, which he shared with Harold Pattee. He also co-authored several influential papers, including receiving the Bailey Award in both 2009 and 2011.
Following a number of successful cultivar releases, and introduction of the high-oleic trait into Virginia-type varieties, on his final field day as NCSU’s peanut breeder, Isleib announced the release of Bailey II, a high-oleic version of the highly popular Bailey variety that was released in 2008.
“Bailey II is a high-oleic, large-seeded Virginia-type peanut cultivar selected from a series of backcrosses to the Bailey cultivar. It was made in a conventional breeding program at North Carolina State University. It is essentially a high-oleic Bailey,” Isleib explained. This cultivar continues to be widely grown in the V-C region today.
Isleib’s impact went beyond research; his integrity, humility and dedication to his work left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. He fought a courageous battle with cancer, demonstrating his quiet strength and grace until the end.
A celebration of life was planned for Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Empire, Michigan. The peanut industry offers sincere condolences to wife Sandy, children Jacob, Maribeth, Jeff, Aya and grandchildren.
