Industrial attachments are vital in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Dr. Freddy’s attachment at Shenzhen SinoPlant Biotech Ltd provided him with an invaluable hands-on experience in ornamental vegetable breeding and germplasm management, where he had the opportunity to learn and contribute to the development of innovative plant varieties.
First Experience in Ornamental Vegetable Breeding
One of the most exciting aspects of Dr. Freddy’s attachment was working on ornamental vegetable breeding. SinoPlant uniquely integrates aesthetic appeal with crop production by developing vegetable varieties that are not only nutritious but also visually striking. These vegetables cater to niche markets, including urban gardening enthusiasts and high-end restaurants, which prioritize visual appeal alongside culinary value.
A significant milestone for SinoPlant was the recent release of six new ornamental chili varieties, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and market diversification. These new varieties feature vibrant colours, unique shapes, and robust growth characteristics. Additionally, several more varieties are currently in development and nearing market introduction.
Advancing Research & Development for Innovative Plant Varieties
Germplasm management plays a crucial role in crop breeding by providing the genetic resources necessary to develop superior cultivars. At SinoPlant, it enables breeders to introduce desirable traits such as improved yield, disease resistance, climate adaptability, and enhanced nutritional value, with aesthetic appeal as an additional desirable trait. Through continuous research and development, SinoPlant expands genetic diversity and applies advanced breeding techniques to create novel crop varieties that meet specific agricultural needs.
Dr. Pingping Huang, the co-founder of SinoPlant and Manager of Research and Development, generously shared her extensive knowledge in ornamental vegetable breeding. Her insights covered advanced breeding techniques and genetic improvement strategies, which have expanded the diversity of ornamental crops and enhanced their market value, promoting sustainable breeding practices that cater to both commercial and environmental needs.
Knowledge Sharing: Insights into Rice Breeding
A valuable aspect of the attachment was the knowledge sharing sessions, especially one led by Associate Professor Dr. Freddy Yeo Kuok San. Dr. Freddy shared his expertise in breeding local rice varieties from Sarawak, emphasizing the morphological variations found in different rice varieties and how these traits impact yield and adaptability. He also highlighted the importance of breeding for disease and pest resistance, particularly strategies to improve resilience against common threats such as blast disease and stem borers.
Dr. Freddy stressed the need to preserve the genetic diversity of Sarawakâs indigenous rice varieties, ensuring that traditional landraces with unique traits are conserved for long-term agricultural sustainability. This led to a discussion on the use of microsatellite markers in characterizing genetic diversity, with SinoPlant expressing interest in applying this molecular
tool to their own breeding programs. The use of microsatellite markers can enhance selection accuracy, refine desirable traits, and accelerate the development of high-quality plant varieties.
Dr. Freddy’s industrial attachment at SinoPlant was an enriching experience that allowed him to gain practical knowledge in ornamental vegetable breeding, germplasm management, and advanced genetic techniques. The skills and insights he gained during this attachment will be instrumental as he continues to pursue a career focused on innovative plant breeding solutions, particularly those aimed at addressing food security challenges.
Acknowledgement
Dr. Freddy would like to express his sincere gratitude to SinoPlant for their generous invitation and unwavering support during his industrial attachment. Their sponsorship of travel and expenses provided him with an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful knowledge exchange and hands-on learning experiences. He profoundly appreciates their warm hospitality and generosity.
Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Freddy Yeo Kuok San