Somayeh Yousefnejad

Experienced Plant Breeding Leader with over 10 years of expertise in vegetable breeding programs, specializing in genetic improvement, disease resistance, and commercial hybrid development across multiple crop systems. Proven track record of delivering high-performing commercial varieties and managing full breeding pipelines from germplasm strategy and crossing to product commercialization. Strong experience in multi-environment trial networks, marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC), and data-driven selection using advanced breeding database systems.

Skilled in leading cross-functional teams across breeding, pathology, biotechnology, and commercial functions to deliver market-aligned products. Experienced in translating complex breeding objectives into commercially relevant traits such as uniformity, yield stability, disease resistance, and post-harvest performance—capabilities directly transferable to leafy vegetable and lettuce breeding systems.

Head of Tomato Breeding - Genetika Seed Company

(2020-01 - 2026-03)

• Lead tomato breeding programs across multiple market segments (determinate, indeterminate, cherry, cocktail, cluster, pink, and specialty types)
• Manage end-to-end hybrid development pipeline from parental line creation to commercial release
• Released commercially successful hybrids including Filika, Akide, and Dijital, adopted in regional production systems
• Lead ToBRFV resistance breeding program using Marker-Assisted Backcrossing (MABC)
• Design and manage multi-environment trials for yield, quality, and disease resistance evaluation
• Oversee breeder seed production and commercial seed multiplication processes
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration with pathology, production, and R&D teams
• Utilize breeding database systems (Phenome) for data management and selection decisions
• Supervise breeding technicians and field teams to ensure program execution and quality standards

Tomato Breeder - Enza Zaden - Turkey / Middle East / China

(2017-01 - 2020-12)

• Managed tomato breeding programs targeting multiple international market segments
• Developed disease-resistant tomato lines using Marker-Assisted Backcrossing (MABC)
• Specialized in ToBRFV resistance breeding and pre-breeding germplasm development
• Designed crossing schemes including diallel and structured breeding populations
• Conducted multi-location greenhouse and field trials across diverse environments
• Collaborated with pathology, molecular biology, and R&D teams to integrate resistance traits
• Contributed to breeding strategy development and pipeline optimization
• Completed advanced internal training in plant breeding and biotechnology

PhD - Plant Physiology - University of Tehran, Iran (2008-01 - 2013-12)

MSc - Crop Physiology - University of Tehran, Iran (2004-01 - 2006-12)

BSc - Agronomy & Plant Breeding - University of Tehran, Iran (2000-01 - 2004-12)