Nikolay Vasilyevich Turbin (03.12.1912, v. Tuma, Ryazan region, Russia – 22.07.1998), geneticist breeder. Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (1953), Academician of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences (1967), Doctor of Biological Sciences (1943), Professor (1948). Honored Scientist of the BSSR (1972).
He developed the concept of heterosis, based on the theory of genetic balance, investigated the problems of using heterosis in the selection of polyploid hybrids of sugar beet. When studying genetics in plants, it was established that it is associated with a defect in the structure and function of mitochondria in sterile lines. He obtained practically important results on the genetics and selection of triticale. Experimentally proved the possibility of automixis with interspecific crosses of wheat. He investigated the biochemical genetics of alkaloid in lupine. Published a number of works on the theory of speciation, the philosophical questions of genetics, the application of the principles of cybernetics in genetic research.
Author of more than 350 scientific papers, incl. 8 monographs.
State Prize of the BSSR in 1984 for the series of works "Genetics of heterosis and the ways of its use in plant breeding".
Awarded with the Orders of the Red Banner of Labor (1971), "Badge of Honor" (1966), and medals.