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Henderson Seeds targets vegetable breeding for the tropics

Templestowe , Australia
December 19,  2001

Henderson Seeds are happy to announce the October 24th 2001 signing of an agreement with The University of Queensland, Gatton for the provision of a serviced site to begin plant breeding operations targeting tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Dr. Daniel Tan has been appointed to the position of breeder and has taken up residence on site, after spending an initial training period under Henderson senior plant breeder, Dr. Kiang Lee at the company’s main Templestowe research station. Dr. Tan is quite familiar with his surroundings, as recent graduate of University of Queensland, Gatton where he completed his PHD.

Prof. Alan Wearing, University Of Queensland Gatton (left) and Daniel Tan (right) signing the agreement

Henderson Chief Operating Officer Jack Doublier is excited about the appointment. "We were lucky to find somebody with Daniel’s credentials and such an impressive site so quickly after the board committed to the long term investment. We expect many synergies evolving from the location of a commercial breeding operation at a tertiary educational institution." Said Mr. Doublier.

"Our primary focus will be in the Brassica family where we have already accumulated over 40 years of experience and germplasm." Said Dr. Lee. "Most of the leading world vegetable Brassica breeding programs are based in temperate climates. The Gatton site provides us with the opportunity to apply advanced technology in a subtropical climate similar to many regions of the rapidly emerging Asian "mega markets", resulting in superior varieties that will be perfectly adapted to Queensland growing conditions. This will provide a valuable resource for Queensland growers to utilize in their expanding fresh produce export markets as well as meeting the ever increasing quality demands of domestic consumers." Said Dr. Lee

Already Australia’s only Broccoli breeder, Henderson Seeds will add Chinese cabbage to the unique list as the primary crop at the Gatton station, with work also intended in heat and humidity tolerance in cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage.

Henderson Seed, created in 1952 is a breeding and marketing company selling vegetable seeds in Australia and overseas .It is one of the industry leaders in Australia and New Zealand. Henderson Seeds is one of the members of Vilmorin Clause & Cie, world leader in the field of vegetable seeds.

Company news release
N4060

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