EMELIA GRACE CASIANUS

Responsible for the success of Cucumber breeding program of Enza Zaden in Asia.

• Implemented breeding strategies based on classification of heterotic pools, GCA and SCA of cucumber germplasm through Multidimensional Data Representation (MDR) tool.
• Enhanced cucumber gene pool by increasing genetic variations of heterotic group to increase frequency of genetic gains.
• Accelerated product to market process by implementing positional breeding and breeding on demand tools.
• Collaborated with cell technology department in improving efficiency of double haploid production on Asian genetics.
• Developed two pre-commercial cucumber varieties with 25% higher yield.

Responsible for the breeding program of short cucumber segment of Southeast Asia

• Developed cucumber varieties that are resistant to Gemini virus (ToLCNDV) and Downy Mildew.
• Coordinator of market study of Cucumber and Watermelon crop of SEA; collaborated with Sales & Marketing Dept. in generating data of market dynamics.
• Developed populations for the development of trait markers of glossy fruit and Melon Yellow Spot Virus (MYSV).
• Analyzed the predictivity of markers on Asian germplasm and coordinated with Biotech breeders in improving non-predictive markers.
• Analyzed marker data of ToLCNDV and Downy Mildew; and identified best marker pairings for highest phenotypic resistance.

Responsible in supporting Senior Breeder for the successful execution of cucumber program in SEA.

• Maintained germplasm database for cucumber program.
• Selected elite hybrids through screening in local R&D farm
  and external screening location in Thailand and Vietnam.
• Managed cucumber crop breeding trials from seed to seed
  activities including managing sowing layout, coordinating
  with crop supervisor for land preparation and field plot
  maintenance, phenotyping plants and maintenance of
  germplasm purity.
• Maintained reports of market visits to cucumber key market
  in Thailand and Vietnam to keep up to date on vegetable
  product trend and competitors for future company’s
  reference