S. Manga Owona

Expert in design of breeding strategies, sustainable germplasm management, using multidisciplinary approach viz. genetics, plant adaptation physiolgy, molecular genetics, pathology, seed technology, and abiotic stresses etc. in breeding. Excellent knowledge in application of biotechnology tools in crop improvement.

Experienced with the development of market winning varieties through teamwork. More than a score of varieties introduced in several markets both for chrysanthemums and tomato including the first variety worldwide with HR ToBRFV resistance. Developed and introduced chrysanthemum varieties in the market in two years that helped raise market share in the segment from 0.4% to 15% in 3.5 years.

Experienced in several crops including tomato, pepper, chicory, baby leaf salads (rocket, wild rocket, mizuna, and pakchoi), chrysanthemums & few other ornamentals.

Experienced with bringing different competencies together for achieving common goals in projects and programs. Twenty four years of professional experience in breeding acquired through work in academic fields, agricultural research, private breeding companies, research & development, as well as consulting businesses. Fifteen (15) years experience mentoring and managing teams of two to five breeders.

Pioneered setting up of research and development department for CN Seeds Ltd. in the United Kingdom. Developed and implemented breeding vision & plant breeding strategies for several crops (tomato, wild rocket, salad rocket, coriander, fenugreek, dill, watercress, mizuna, pak choi, & chrysanthemums).

Domesticated and introgressed advanced breeding materials from wild tomato species of tomato in the form of Backcross inbred lines library using a combined approach of classical breeding, crop growth physiology & marker assisted selection.

• Introgressions of Lycopersicon pennellii improve growth and development of greenhouse tomatoes, Owona, S.M., 2005, WUR Wageningen UR, Stam, Prof dr ir P., Lindhout, Dr W.H., 90-8504-301-8, 126
• The usefulness of genetic differences in growth curves of young tomato plants, Owona S.M., Van Heusden A.W., Stam P., Lindhout P.
• Introgressions of Lycopersicon pennellii in greenhouse tomatoes may push the yield to unprecedented levels - A physiological analysis, Owona S.M., Van Heusden A.W., Stam P., Lindhout P.
• Introgressions of Lycopersicon pennellii in greenhouse tomatoes may push the yield to unprecedented levels - A yield analysis, Owona S.M., Van Heusden A.W., Stam P., Lindhout P.
• QTL mapping of physiological parameters in F2 populations of L. hirsutum LA1777 X L. esculentum cv. Moneymaker and L. pennellii Li-COR,LA716 X L. esculentum cv. Moneymaker, Owona S.M., Van Heusden A.W., Stam P., Lindhout P., in preparation

• Profession: Plant Breeder, Biotechnologist & Molecular Geneticist
• Title: Ph. D.
• Date of birth: 08/31/70
• Gender: Male
• Nationality: Dutch

• I collect beautiful pens and coins