Plant Breeder

What is a plant breeder?

A plant breeder is someone who develops new plant varieties through careful selection and crossbreeding techniques. They aim to create plants that have improved characteristics such as higher yields, disease resistance, or better nutritional content.

What does a plant breeder do?

Usually, a plant breeder does the following:

• Conducts experiments and research to develop new plant varieties.
• Selects and crosses different plants to create desired traits.
• Tests and evaluates the performance of new plant varieties.
• Keeps detailed records of breeding experiments and results.
• Collaborates with scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders to understand market demands and develop plants suitable for specific environments or purposes.
• Keeps up-to-date with advancements in plant genetics and breeding techniques.

What does the day-to-day life of a plant breeder look like?

A plant breeder usually works between 9 am and 5 pm, though this may vary depending on the organization or research facility. They spend their time in laboratories, greenhouses, and fields, depending on the stage of the breeding process. Their tasks may include conducting experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, attending meetings with collaborators, and planning future breeding projects.

Where does a plant breeder work?

Plant breeders work in various settings, including:

• Research institutions/universities: Many plant breeders work in research labs or academic institutions, where they focus on developing new plant varieties and advancing scientific knowledge.
• Seed companies: Plant breeders can work for seed companies that specialize in developing and selling improved agricultural seeds to farmers.
• Government agencies: Some plant breeders work for government departments or agencies involved in agricultural research and development.
• Non-profit organizations: Plant breeders may also work for non-profit organizations that aim to improve food security, environmental sustainability, or support small farmers.
• Field locations: Depending on the crops they specialize in, plant breeders may work in different regions of the country. For example, someone working on wheat breeding might be located in an agricultural region known for wheat production.

What tools/equipment does a plant breeder use?

A plant breeder uses a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Laboratory equipment: Microscopes, DNA sequencers, gene expression analyzers, and other molecular biology tools.
• Field equipment: Planting and harvesting machinery, climate monitoring equipment, soil analysis tools, and crop measurement instruments.
• Genetic analysis software: Programs that help analyze DNA data and identify genetic markers associated with desired traits.
• Data management tools: Spreadsheets, databases, and statistical software to organize and analyze breeding data.

What do I need to become a plant breeder?

There are a number of ways to become a plant breeder, including:

• Bachelor's degree in plant breeding or related field: Many plant breeders have a bachelor's degree in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, or a related field. This provides a strong foundation in plant biology, genetics, and breeding principles.
• Master's or Ph.D. degree: Some positions, especially in research or academia, may require a master's degree or Ph.D. in plant breeding or a related discipline. Advanced degrees provide in-depth knowledge and research experience.
• Internships or research experience: Gaining practical experience through internships, research assistantships, or volunteering in research labs can be beneficial for developing practical skills and understanding the breeding process.
• Continuing education: Plant breeders often participate in workshops, conferences, and professional development programs to stay updated with the latest breeding techniques and advancements.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to plant breeders, including:

• Senior Plant Breeder: With experience, plant breeders can progress to senior positions where they lead breeding programs, manage teams, and make strategic decisions in developing new plant varieties.
• Research Scientist: Some plant breeders focus on research and can pursue careers as research scientists in academic institutions, research organizations, or biotech companies.
• Consultant: Experienced plant breeders can work as consultants, providing expertise to seed companies, agricultural organizations, or government agencies on plant breeding or related topics.
• Entrepreneur: Plant breeders with an entrepreneurial spirit can start their own seed companies or consultancy firms, developing and selling improved plant varieties to farmers and other stakeholders.

What jobs are similar to a plant breeder? (Include those with transferable skills that a plant breeder usually has)

• Agronomist: Focuses on optimizing crop production, providing advice on soil management, fertilization, and pest control strategies.
• Crop Scientist: Conducts research on different aspects of crop production, including genetics, physiology, and crop protection.
• Plant Geneticist: Studies plant genetics and conducts research to understand and manipulate plant traits.
• Biotechnologist: Applies scientific knowledge to develop new technologies and products in the field of agriculture and genetics.

What made you want to become a plant breeder?

How did you get your first plant breeder job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a plant breeder?

Are you a plant breeder? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to plant breeding. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.