Description

The plant breeders are able to work on a broad variety of crops and systems to discover the best ways to care for and create a variety of crops and plants. They also conduct research that allow them to discover and study new species of plants and breeding combinations. Their research is focused on discovering ways to develop new and efficient methods to grow a large quantity of crops using the least amount of resources. Certain researchers may be working in a massive way to assist countries struggling with food insecurity to increase the growth of their crops by this method.

An undergraduate degree from botany, biology or another similar field is usually required for this job. Plant breeders can work within the public sector, or the government in order to carry out research. Alongside having a bachelor's degree many who work in this field are also certified in plant breeding to build skills in particular areas and increase opportunities for career advancement However, these certifications are not required to be employed. Additionally, many universities are now offering doctoral programs where plant breeders are able to earn doctoral degrees in breeding of plants, and also in genetics of plants.

Roles & Responsibilities

With 6-9 years of experience as a Plant Breeder in the United States, your primary responsibilities include:

  • Develop and implement breeding programs to improve crop traits, such as yield, disease resistance, and quality.Utilize advanced breeding techniques and technologies to enhance crop performance.
  • Conduct research and identify desirable genetic traits for crop improvement.Utilize molecular markers and genetic analysis to identify and incorporate favorable traits.
  • Manage and coordinate field trials for evaluating new plant varieties.Collaborate with agronomists and technicians to establish trial protocols and analyze data.
  • Collaborate with farmers, seed companies, and other stakeholders to understand market demands and develop targeted breeding strategies.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Plant Breeder job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive knowledge and experience in plant genetics, breeding techniques, and biotechnology to develop new plant varieties with improved traits.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software to analyze breeding trials and evaluate plant performance for selection and advancement.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to identify and overcome challenges in plant breeding, such as disease resistance, yield improvement, and quality enhancement.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including researchers, agronomists, and farmers, to ensure successful plant breeding programs.

Essential Skills For Plant Breeder

1

Agricultural Biotechnology

2

Biology

3

Plant & Molecular Biology

Skills That Affect Plant Breeder Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Project Management

7%

Data Analysis

2%

Career Prospects

The Plant Breeder job role requires 6-9 years of experience in the United States. Here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Research Scientist: A position specializing in conducting scientific research and experiments to develop new plant varieties or improve existing ones.
  • Crop Consultant: A role that involves providing expert advice and recommendations to farmers on crop selection, planting techniques, and pest management.
  • Agricultural Product Manager: A position focused on overseeing the development, marketing, and sales of agricultural products, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
  • Seed Production Manager: A role that involves managing the production and distribution of high-quality seeds, ensuring consistent supply to meet market demand.

How to Learn

The job role of Plant Breeder in the United States is projected to experience steady growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there is an increasing demand for professionals in this field. The employment opportunities for Plant Breeders are expected to grow significantly in the near future. Recent data from Google indicates a positive outlook for the industry, with ongoing research and advancements in agriculture driving the need for skilled breeders. With continuous research and developments, the role of Plant Breeder is set to expand, providing numerous employment opportunities in the United States.