The early pioneer in the field of genetics known for his experiments with pea plants is Gregor Mendel. His meticulous research laid the foundational principles of genetics, illustrating inheritance patterns through dominant and recessive traits. Mendel's work went largely unrecognized during his lifetime, but it was later acknowledged as key to understanding hereditary processes. His experiments established key concepts such as Mendelian inheritance, which are crucial for advancements in biology, agriculture, and medical genetics.