(ABC 6 News) — One of the researchers behind developing the acclaimed Honeycrisp Apple is retiring from the University of Minnesota.

Professor Jim Luby spent more than four decades at the forefront of the U.S.’s cold weather fruit breeding program.

Luby is credited with helping breed the Sweet Tango, Zestar, and other apple varieties since starting at the school’s Horticulture Research Center in 1982.