Named in memory of Academician Nikolaj Ivanovich Vavilov (1887–1943), prominent botanist and geneticist, who organized and participated in many botanical expeditions to the various parts of the globe. He established the Soviet collection of plant cultures that includes more than 300,000 samples. The planet also honors his brother, Academician Sergej Ivanovich Vavilov (1891–1951), president of the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences from 1945 until his death, renowned for his work in the field of physical optics. (M 11157) _ _.