Vegetable Breeding for the Tropics

21 October–1 November 2024

Background

The successful cultivation of high quality vegetables relies heavily on the use of superior seeds. In tropical regions, the criteria for seed quality differ significantly from those in temperate climates. Specifically, tropical vegetables require increased tolerance to heat and strong resistance to a variety of pests and diseases prevalent in the region.

The rapidly growing private vegetable seed sector in Africa and Asia is actively improving its capabilities to provide farmers with superior seed varieties. However, both companies and public research institutions have recognized a crucial need for training in vegetable breeding. This is particularly true for optimizing the use of genebank resources and implementing advanced breeding techniques such as pyramiding disease resistance genes and marker-assisted selection.

The purpose of this vegetable breeding course is to address these essential areas, providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful vegetable breeding in tropical environments.

Course objective

The course will give participants hands-on experience and expand their technical knowledge in tropical vegetable breeding. It allows participants to expand their professional network to fellow breeders and recognized experts in the field.

Course subjects include:

  • Plant genetic resources conservation and utilization

  • Germplasm screening for pests and disease resistance

  • Set up of seed production pipeline

  • Breeding scheme of tomato, chili, and cucurbit crop

  • Hybrid cultivar development using male sterility systems

  • Statistical methods for plant breeding

  • Marker-assisted selection

41st IVTC, Front
41st IVTC, Back (update on 5 June 2024)

What our participants say about the IVTC:

Ebimoboere Eniyekpemi

“The program should have a minimum duration of 3 to 4 weeks, with more hands-on work in the field. Participants should focus on practical experience—observing and performing tasks—rather than merely receiving instructions. Aside from this, the management plan for the program was excellent.”

Ebimoboere Eniyekpemi, CEO, Afritropic Farming And Agro Services Ltd., Nigeria
Muhammad Nawaz

“Current Training modules are up to mark, and must be continued”

Muhammad Nawaz, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
Najla’a Mousa Ishtian Almahameed

“Many topics are covered by training and I hope to visit you another time with different ideas”

Najla’a Mousa Ishtian Almahameed, Director, Ministry of Local Administration, Maan, Jordan
Elias Naholo

“The course needs to have a duration of 4 or more weeks for participants to digest the heavy course content”

Elias Naholo, Development Planner, Food Security Secretariat Subdivision, Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Government office in Windhoek, Namibia
Veronica Mesebeluu Ngiramowai

“The training, topics, food, experience, diversity, and everything were perfect. I just wished it could’ve been a little longer. I appreciate the opportunity to have been able to join the training course and just tried to learn as much as I could”

Veronica Mesebeluu Ngiramowai, Agriculture Extension Agent, Bureau of Agriculture, Palau
Edward Wilson

“I recommend a longer training session maybe 1-6 months, especially for small islands, and to have some information on eastern Americas to help bridge the diverse gap. I believe the training can benefit us if it was longer with more practical inclusive programs”

Edward Wilson, Agricultural Officer, Sir Arthur lewis Community College, Ministry Of Agriculture, Saint Lucia

TECHNICAL

Technical skills you need for your next level of agricultural research, development, and extension professionals.

SCIENTIFIC

Scientific skills to enhance the efficacy of your research.

MANAGERIAL

Develop your management skills through learning
and practical experience.

Apply Now!

The International Vegetable Training Course

The best option to enhance your technical, scientific and managerial skills
Apply Now!