Written by Enid Perez-Lara

(April 11, 2024) - We find ourselves in a captivating era in agricultural history, witnessing the remarkable rise of women playing pivotal roles in the field of plant breeding. Reflecting on my journey of the past twenty-four years, where plant breeding became not just a hobby but a lifestyle, a wellspring of inspiration, and a source of employment, I am reminded of the adage that states, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." This sentiment is not exclusive to artists; it resonates deeply with plant breeders. Over the years, I've encountered many breeders, male and female, who possess unparalleled knowledge about their crops and enjoy every single minute in their jobs.

In my view, there is no inherent limitation preventing women from excelling or even surpassing men in the field of plant breeding. Indeed, there is no scarcity of talented women contributing to this field, I know many plant breeders, most of them and many times the best of them, are women. Even though, a few months ago, I stumbled upon an article titled "20 Most Famous Plant Breeders". It shed light on the historical male dominance in plant breeding and prompted an exploration into the possible reasons behind this phenomenon:

  • Historical Gender Roles: The historical perception of agriculture as a male-dominated field has significantly influenced the dynamics of gender in agricultural sciences, including plant breeding.
  • Cultural Prejudices and Stereotypes: Societal biases about gender roles and capabilities can impact career choices, associating plant breeding, involving physical labor, with masculinity.
  • Lack of Representation and Role Models: The absence of women in leadership roles within plant breeding can discourage young females from pursuing careers in the field, highlighting the need for visible female role models.
  • Workplace Dynamics and Biases: Inherent biases in plant breeding, like many STEM fields, may affect the progress and retention of women, emphasizing the importance of supportive work environments.
  • Networking and Opportunities: Historical gender-based networking disparities have given men more extensive networks, resulting in greater collaboration opportunities and professional advancements.

On the other hand, I have seen lists of influential women in breeding. Without diminishing the importance of those, influential figures in breeding as a business are not the same as influential or successful individuals in breeding, plant scientists, or women who have succeeded in breeding or contributed their scientific knowledge to improve breeding processes. These 'rockstars' are harder to identify because they cannot be found on social media or at the top of organizations.

My exploration led me to remember and discover many women focused on relieving hunger in the world. I recently came across Dr. Maria do Carmo Bassols Raseira, whom I encountered at a conference where she was being honored. Her humility and grace left a lasting impression, making her a fitting choice to lead my list of remarkable women in agriculture and plant sciences. Importantly, this isn't a ranking but an enumeration of women who defy (and defied) biases and contribute (contributed) significantly to science. I just added some remarks about their long list of achievements. Finally, this is a “life list,” so I will keep adding breeders here as I find them in my way.

Dr. Maria do Carmo Bassols Raseira (Brazil):

  • Graduated from the Federal University of Pelotas in 1968 with a degree in Agronomy.
  • Holds master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Arkansas, specializing in Horticulture and Plant Sciences.
  • Currently serves as a researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA).
  • Released over 60 new agricultural varieties across various crops.
  • Recognized for substantial contributions to the genetic improvement of peaches, plums, nectarines, blackberries, and blueberries, particularly in the field of peach trees.

Dr. Barbara McClintock (United States):

  • Eminent American geneticist and Nobel laureate
  • Groundbreaking research on corn and transposable elements
  • Challenged scientific paradigms, offering a fresh perspective
  • Substantial contributions to genetic variability and regulation in plants
  • Advanced understanding of genetic recombination and gene regulation on chromosomes

Dr. Catherine Feuillet (France):

  • Catherine Feuillet, born in July 1965, is a French geneticist and the current Chief Scientific Officer of Inari Agriculture in Cambridge, MA.
  • She earned her PhD in plant molecular biology, focusing on genes related to wood formation in eucalyptus trees.
  • Feuillet began her work on disease resistance in wheat during her post-doctoral studies at the Swiss Federal Institute for Agroecology in 1994.
  • As a junior group leader at the University of Zurich, she investigated fungal disease resistance in wheat and barley, successfully cloning the first leaf rust resistance gene from wheat.
  • In 2004, she became a research director at the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) in France, leading projects on wheat genomics.
  • Feuillet, along with her team, achieved significant milestones, including the first mapping of the largest wheat chromosome, 3B, and publishing the full sequence of this chromosome in 2014.
  • She co-chaired the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) from 2005-2018.
  • In 2013, she joined Bayer Crop Science as the Head of Trait Research, focusing on genes to enhance soybean, cotton, canola, and wheat yield and tolerance to biotic stresses.
  • Catherine Feuillet has received several honors and awards, including being a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, the Prix Foulon from the French Academy of Science, the science award of Femmes en or, and the Jean Dufrenoy Prize from the Académie d'Agriculture of France.
  • She is also an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Catherine Hayes Bailey (USA):

  • Catherine Hayes Bailey, a revered plant geneticist, left an indelible mark before her passing in 2014.
  • A source of inspiration for Maria Do Carmo, Bailey distinguished herself as a notable woman breeder in the early 1970s.
  • Born into the family of the superintendent of Rutgers University vegetable farms, Bailey pursued and earned both a BS and a PhD from Rutgers.
  • As the lone female faculty member at Rutgers, Bailey took charge of the peach program while collaborating with colleague Fred Hough, who managed the pome fruit program.
  • Despite designated roles on paper, their collaboration was a seamless team effort, blending Hough's vision with Bailey's hands-on expertise.
  • Bailey's contributions extend beyond the academic realm, leaving a lasting impact on fruit breeding and shattering barriers in a predominantly male field.

Dr. Ismahane Elouafi (Morocco/Canada):

  • Accomplished scientist with expertise in agricultural biotechnology and plant genetic improvement.
  • Contributed significantly to the development of improved varieties, particularly in crops like wheat and beans in Africa.
  • An advocate for gender equality in scientific research and agriculture, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in the field.

Ksenija Gasig (Serbia/USA):

  • Hired by Clemson University in 2008, she took on the challenge of revitalizing a breeding program that had been inactive for 25 years.
  • Her primary goal was to breed new peach cultivars that not only met consumer demands but also provided the highest return on investment for growers.
  • Focused on developing high-quality and disease-resistant peach varieties, she tailored her work to suit the environmental conditions of the Southeastern U.S.
  • Her research extended to the study of inheritance in stone fruits, particularly peaches, contributing to a deeper understanding of genetic factors influencing traits.
  • Collaborating with other universities, she played a key role in developing marker-assisted breeding techniques. The team successfully created SNP arrays and identified QTLs associated with traits such as bacterial spot resistance and maturity date.
  • The overarching aim of these efforts was to enhance the efficiency of peach breeding, ensuring the development of varieties that are both resilient and well-suited to regional conditions.

Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton (United States):

  • Renowned American scientist and trailblazer in plant genetic engineering technology.
  • Demonstrated the groundbreaking concept of gene transfer in plants, setting the stage for the development of transgenic crops.
  • Made fundamental contributions to the discovery of antibiotic resistance genes, a pivotal aspect of plant genetic engineering.

Dr. Pam Ronald (United States):

  • Leading scientist specializing in plant molecular biology and genetic enhancement.
  • Concentrated efforts on enhancing plant resistance to diseases and environmental stress, with a particular focus on rice.
  • Notable contributions include the development of genetically improved rice varieties, fortified with enhanced defenses against pathogens.

Dr. Nina Fedoroff (United States):

  • Distinguished American molecular biologist and plant biotechnology expert.
  • Pioneer in DNA sequencing, credited with one of the first complete animal gene sequences.
  • Notable contributions to understanding transposons and their impact on plant genetic variability.
  • Advocate for responsible agricultural biotechnology, emphasizing its role in enhancing food production and crop resilience.
  • Current research focus on mechanisms making plants resistant to biological and non-biological stresses like heat and salt.
  • Studying genetic modification of plants, its relation to pest control, and crop tolerance
  • Advocacy for destigmatizing genetically modified food, highlighting its crucial role in agriculture and evolution.

Dr. Susan McCouch:

  • Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Plant Biology, Biological Statistics, and Computational Biology at Cornell University.
  • She earned her PhD from Cornell in 1990 and spent 5 years with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines before joining the Cornell faculty in 1995.
  • McCouch's research focuses on rice, including the publication of the first molecular map of the rice genome in 1988, early QTL studies on disease resistance, drought tolerance, and yield.
  • She has contributed to the development of essential SSR markers widely used in rice genetics and breeding.
  • McCouch has conducted studies on the evolutionary history of rice in Africa and Asia, with current work on identifying genes from wild Oryza species to enhance modern rice cultivars.
  • Her expertise includes genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to dissect the genetics of complex traits and unravel the genetic basis of transgressive variation in rice.
  • McCouch has trained numerous young scientists globally and is a fellow of the AAAS, recognized for her outstanding contributions in research, teaching, and faculty awards.

Prof. Neena Mitter (Australia): Innovator in Sustainable Agriculture

  • She is the founding Director of QAAFI Centre for Horticultural Science and the ARC Industrial Transformational Research HUB for Sustainable Crop Protection at The University of Queensland.
  • Her leadership has propelled the QAAFI Centre, with over 70 staff and students, managing $37 Million in research projects, focusing on horticulture's future.
  • Recognized for her real-world impact, Prof. Mitter has received numerous accolades, including fellowships, awards, and directorship of the ARC Industrial Transformational Research HUB.
  • Her commercial innovations include 'BioClay for crop protection,' 'Nanovaccines for animal health,' and 'Clonal propagation of avocado using plant stem cells.'
  • As a pioneer in avocado tissue culture technology, she addresses the global demand for new plants, aiming to resolve supply and demand challenges in 2022.
  • Beyond research, Prof. Mitter actively contributes to national initiatives, such as the Federal Government's Decadal Plan for Agriculture and OECD summit discussions on RNA-based pesticides.
  • Engaged as a Deputy member of the National Leadership Council on Cultural Diversity, she advocates for diversity in leadership within business, government, universities, and civil society.
  • Her global influence is evident in her invitations to prestigious international forums, reinforcing her role as a key influencer in plant biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Barbara Valent (United Kingdom): A Remarkable Journey

  • Born in Perry, Iowa, and raised in Colorado, Dr. Barbara Valent's academic journey began at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
  • She earned a B.A. degree in chemistry and later completed her Ph.D. in biochemistry, demonstrating her commitment to understanding the intricacies of biological sciences.
  • Awarded an NIH National Research Service Award, Dr. Valent conducted postdoctoral work in yeast molecular genetics at Cornell University, broadening her expertise.
  • Returning to the University of Colorado, she embarked on groundbreaking research in the rice blast system, marking the inception of her impactful contributions to plant pathology.
  • From 1985, Dr. Valent served various roles at the DuPont Company, including principal investigator, research leader, and research manager in Central Research and Development.
  • Her remarkable career continued at DuPont Agricultural Products, where she became a Research Fellow and Technical Leader of the Genetic Disease Resistance Program in 1997.
  • In 2001, Dr. Valent joined the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University as a Professor, achieving the prestigious title of University Distinguished Professor in 2002.
  • Recognitions followed her, with appointments as a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2007.
  • Her outstanding contributions led to election into the National Academy of Sciences in 2020, solidifying her status as a luminary in the field of plant genetic resistance

Dr. Maria Andrade (Cape verde)

  • Dr. Maria Andrade, a distinguished sweetpotato breeder and recipient of the World Food Prize, serves as a prominent figure at the International Potato Center (CIP) and takes the lead as the Flagship leader for the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB).
  • Her innovative mindset aligns seamlessly with the principles of Excellence in Breeding, focusing on the modernization of breeding programs. This includes the implementation of genomic selection, integration of new breeding tools and methods, and the digitization of processes, all aimed at delivering tangible benefits in farmers' fields.
  • Dr. Andrade emphasizes the importance of gender balance in technology and ideas, especially in the predominantly female-driven agriculture sector. Recognizing that sustainable success requires both gender balance and innovation, she champions an approach that resonates with the diverse workforce in agriculture.
  • In her leadership, the modernization of the breeding program follows a team-based, data-driven model. This not only instills confidence but also fosters motivation and innovation among the team members, ensuring a collaborative and effective approach to sweetpotato breeding.

Dr. Hannele Lindqvist-Kreuze (Finland)

  • Since January 2020, Dr. Hannele Lindqvist-Kreuze has led the potato and sweetpotato breeding programs at the International Potato Center (CIP).
  • Her primary goal is to enhance genetic gains in both potato and sweetpotato by adopting innovative breeding approaches and modernizing the breeding program.
  • With over 15 years of expertise at CIP, Dr. Lindqvist-Kreuze specializes in potato genomics, molecular breeding, and pathology.
  • Originating from Finland, she holds an MSc in Agronomy (Plant Pathology) from the University of Helsinki and a PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
  • Dr. Lindqvist-Kreuze emphasizes the significance of diversity in the workforce for fresh perspectives and better decision-making. In her workplace, she values interactions with women from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly gender specialists focusing on understanding women's preferences for potato and sweet potato varieties.
  • Recognizing diversity as a cornerstone of her work, Dr. Lindqvist-Kreuze highlights the need to generate and maintain genetic diversity in breeding populations. This approach ensures the development of varieties that cater to the diverse needs of target groups, aligning with her commitment to inclusive and effective breeding practices.

Dr. Margaret Worthington (USA)

  • Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas specializes in peach and muscadine grape breeding.
  • She directs applied cultivar development programs in peaches, blackberries, and grapes at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
  • Leading global collaborations, she works with public and private sector partners to innovate and develop new fruit cultivars.
  • Her research portfolio encompasses fruit genetics and molecular breeding, with a particular interest in wide hybrids between Muscadinia and Vitis genera.
  • Margaret plays a crucial role in the VitisGen project, contributing to the Breeding & Local Phenotyping Team.
  • Additionally, she imparts her expertise by teaching in the areas of plant breeding and fruit production.

Dr. Shipra Guha-Mukherjee (India)

  • Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.
  • Specialized in plant tissue culture, plant molecular biology, biotechnology, and cell biology.
  • Discovered the technique of production of haploid pollen plants through anther culture (1964-1966).
  • Worked on regeneration of plants and mechanisms involving enzymes, membrane phospholipids, and second messengers.
  • Collaborated with R. S. Bandurski at Michigan State University.
  • Returned to India, collaborated with M. S. Swaminathan for raising haploids in rice.
  • Full professor and dean of life sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
  • Expert in plant tissue culture, haploids, and plant biotechnology.

Dr. Edavalath Kakkat Janaki Ammal (India)

  • Professor of Botany at Maharaja's College of Science in Trivandrum.
  • Assistant Professor at the John Innes Institute in London, collaborating with C. D. Darlington.
  • Worked at the Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore, focusing on sugarcane biology.
  • Conducted chromosome studies of various garden plants, contributing to the Chromosome Atlas of Cultivated Plants (1945).
  • Invited to work at the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, England.
  • Cytologist at the Royal Horticultural Society, studying Magnolias and other plants.
  • Reorganized the Botanical Survey of India, became the first director of the Central Botanical Laboratory at Allahabad.
  • Served as an officer on special duty at Regional Research Laboratory in Jammu from 1962.
  • Emeritus Scientist at the Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) in Botany, University of Madras, from 1970.
  • Continued research on medicinal plants and ethnobotany post-retirement.

Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis (Perú/USA)

  • A turfgrass breeding expert at NC State University.
  • Transitioned from tobacco and peanut breeding to establish a turfgrass program.
  • Research focuses on developing grass varieties adapted to North Carolina's conditions.
  • Emphasis on lower-input options for environmental sustainability
  • Actively involved in collaborative initiatives for developing drought-tolerant turfgrass cultivars.
  • Successfully released Lobo™ Zoysiagrass, an adaptive, low-input grass
  • Advocates for environmental stewardship in turfgrass, addressing changing market preferences.
  • Legacy includes over 20 turfgrass varieties, showcasing significant contributions to the field.

Isabella Preston (UK/Canada)

  • She was a pioneering horticulturist and Canada's first female professional plant breeder.
  • Born in England, she emigrated to Canada in 1912 and enrolled at the Ontario Agricultural College, where she focused on plant breeding.
  • Preston's career spanned 26 years, during which she produced nearly 200 hardy hybrids of lily, lilac, crab apple, iris, and rose plants for Canada's cold climate.
  • She gained recognition for the "George C. Creelman" lily, marking her as the first professional woman hybridist in Canada.
  • In 1920, she joined the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, becoming the first person to solely focus on breeding ornamental plants.
  • Preston's contributions include the Preston lilacs, Stenographer lilies, Fighter Aircraft lilies, Canadian Lake crab apples, Siberian irises, and Preston roses.
  • Her hybrid species of lilacs, "Syringa prestoniae," was named in her honor, and she received numerous awards, including the Veitch Memorial Medal in Gold.
  • Preston's legacy lives on in the "Preston Heritage Collection" at the Central Experimental Farm and the Isabella Preston Trophy established by the North American Lily Society.

These remarkable women represent a fraction of the outstanding contributions made by female scientists in plant genetics, breeding, agriculture, and plant sciences worldwide. While progress has been made, there remains a substantial journey ahead for women in developing countries to receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve. It is imperative that their research contributes to addressing global challenges like famine, and they receive acknowledgment for their unwavering dedication.

To my colleagues, I encourage you to persist, for the world watches with pride.

To the audience, this list is dynamic; your suggestions are welcome as we continue to expand it.

​Enid Perez-Lara is Industry Engagement Manager at Agronomix, Winnipeg, MB.