Paul King, co-inventor of Viterra hydrogel, dead at 78

Dr. Paul King, co-inventor of the first growing media hydrogel (Viterra), passed away on July 30 at the age of 78. King, who received his doctorate in chemistry at the Univ. of Calif. and postdoctoral in soil physics and plant physiology at the Univ. of Ariz., was the youngest ever Research Fellow at Union Carbide Corp., where his efforts lead to over 75 patents. He also developed numerous growing media mixes and fertilizer formulations while working for Fisons/Sun Gro Horticulture as vice president of research.

In 1976, King started Techni-Growers Greenhouses in Warwick, N.Y., where he conducted research and produced potted and bedding plants for wholesale and retail sales. The greenhouses continue to operate along with a retail garden center, The General’s Garden, under the direction of King’s daughter Deborah Sweeton.

A memorial service will be held in Warwick, N.Y., on Sept. 24, 2011. Donations in King’s name can be made to the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, and/or Warwick in Bloom, Box 519, Warwick N.Y. 10990.