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Category: People & Stories

Steven Tanksley and the Tomato Code – The Pioneer of DNA Markers

In the late 1980s, Steven Tanksley transformed plant breeding by bringing DNA into the field. His pioneering work at Cornell produced the first comprehensive marker map of the tomato genome, laying the foundation for marker-assisted selection—now a cornerstone of modern, non-GMO breeding. From fruit shape to disease resistance, Tanksley’s breakthroughs turned invisible genetic information into practical tools used by breeders worldwide. And remarkably, it all began with a tomato.

Two Paths Forward: Diane Saunders and Conventional Breeding and Gene Editing

Professor Dianne Saunders is leading the charge against some of agriculture’s oldest and most devastating diseases, including wheat rust. Her team pursues two parallel breeding pathways: slow but trusted conventional breeding, and precise, accelerated gene editing using CRISPR. From genome-edited wheat trials in Kenya to the cautious stance of European breeders, this piece explores the scientific, regulatory, and economic forces shaping the future of crop improvement.

Market-Led Sustainable Seed Systems: The Jean Claude Rubyogo Approach

When farmers adopt new seeds, it’s not just about better yields — it’s about market demand. Jean Claude Rubyogo, leader of the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), reshaped seed systems across Africa by listening to traders, breeders and farmers alike. His market-led model turned seed distribution into sustainable business, linking science with profitability, and helping millions of smallholders grow crops that truly sell themselves.