Gustav Mehlquist, a professor of plant science, died at his home in Storrs August 28, after a lengthy illness. He was 93.

Born in Eskilstuna, Sweden, Mehlquist immigrated to the United States in 1927 and became a naturalized citizen in 1933.

A 1936 graduate of the University of Connecticut , he received a doctorate in genetics from the University of California-Berkeley. He was an assistant professor of genetics at Berkeley and later became research horticulturalist at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Mehlquist became associate professor and later full professor of botany at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1952, he returned to UConn as professor of plant breeding and later taught biology systematics and evolutionary biology.

Mehlquist was the recipient of numerous honors and awards. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Sigma, Sigma Xhi, and Gamma Sigma Delta.

He was active in numerous professional societies, including the Connecticut Orchid Society, the Connecticut Rhododendron Society, the Connecticut Horticultural Society and the Connecticut Nurseryman's Association.