VSU-Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics

🌱 BS in Agriculture Summer Practicum 2026: Cultivating Future Agricultural Innovators 🌱

The Department of Plant Breeding successfully facilitated Sections C009 and C010 of the BS in Agriculture Summer Practicum 2026, providing students with meaningful hands-on experiences in plant breeding and genetics-related activities.

In partnership with the university’s various research centers, students engaged in practical learning activities designed to develop their foundational skills in plant breeding and genetics, including hand pollination techniques, morphological characterization, and other crop improvement-related activities. These immersive experiences allowed them to apply genetic principles, strengthen their research skills, and gain valuable insights into the science behind developing improved and sustainable agricultural crops. 🌾🍠🌽

We proudly celebrate the outstanding achievement of our faculty member, Dr. Jerry B. Sanguillosa, for being awarded First Place in the Best Oral Presentation under the Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Concurrent Session during the Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP) 56th Scientific Conference held in Clark, Pampanga.

Dr. Sanguillosa presented his research study on Morphological Characterization of Selected Sweet Potato Genotypes, a collaborative work with the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops), where he serves as an Affiliate Breeder.

This study was made possible through the support of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) as part of his Re-entry Grant, strengthening research and innovation in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture.

Your dedication to advancing plant breeding and agricultural research continues to inspire our academic community. We are proud of your achievement and contribution to science! Padayon!

Proud ViSCAn presence at the CSSP 56th Scientific Conference! Exploring crop science, sharing insights, and connecting with fellow innovators in Clark, Pampanga.

Our faculty member, Dr. Jerry B. Sanguillosa, presented his research on the morphological characterization of selected sweet potato genotypes from the germplasm collection of PhilRootcrops, which is one of the study components of his re-entry grant with DOST-PCAARRD, at the Crop Science Society of the Philippines 56th Scientific Conference.

Four BSA Plant Breeding students, Jennifer Isip, Janice Caparos, Jade Ubas, and Ryneh Caballo, participated in this research as part of their undergraduate theses, along with one MS in Plant Breeding student, John Bahandi. The research assistant for this project is also our MS Plant Breeding student, Nathaniel Cabañero.

The overall project, “Agro-morphological and Molecular Characterization of Selected Sweet Potato Genotypes from the Germplasm Collection of PhilRootcrops,” is being conducted in partnership with the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) and is funded by DOST-PCAARRD.

HAPPENING NOW!

One of our students, Kishea Bermiso, took their research beyond the classroom and joined the 56th CSSP Scientific conference held at Quest Plus in Clark, Pampanga as a poster presenter!🌏

Representing a CFIDP-funded research project of the National Coconut Research Center (NCRC) through DOST-PCAARRD, she presented the team's work at the conference with wit and confidence.

From growing knowledge to growing confidence, Kishea showed that our students don't just study research—they present it too! 🔎 🧪

A proud milestone for our Plant Breeding majors as all 15 students successfully passed their thesis defense. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to advancing agricultural science have paid off. Congratulations, future plant breeders! 🌾🎓

📢 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

The Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics of Visayas State University is now accepting applications for the Plant Breeding Major!

Are you passionate about agriculture, innovation, and creating solutions for a food-secure future? Join a program that equips you with the knowledge and skills to develop improved crop varieties and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

🌾 Why choose Plant Breeding?
✅ Learn the science of developing better crops
✅ Gain hands-on experience from laboratory to field
✅ Contribute to food security and agricultural innovation
✅ Build a career that creates lasting impact on communities and the environment

💡 Grow knowledge. Cultivate innovation. Harvest impact.

Take the first step toward a greener and smarter future. Scan the QR code on the poster and submit your application today!

📍 Visayas State University – Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics

🌱 Let your passion take root. Be one of us!

🍠A Successful Finale to Our Seminar Series!🍠

Last May 21, 2026, the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics successfully concluded its Seminar Series Finale via Zoom, featuring an insightful and inspiring talk by Dr. Arthur Villordon of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, Louisiana State University, USA.

Dr. Villordon shared valuable knowledge through his presentation, “The Hidden Language of Roots: Lessons from Sweetpotato on Nutrients, Stress, and Yield,” highlighting the importance of root system architecture, nutrient-use efficiency, stress tolerance, and sustainable crop production.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Villordon for sharing his expertise and to everyone who participated and supported this meaningful academic event. Your engagement and enthusiasm made the seminar a great success!

Together, we continue to strengthen collaboration, research, and innovation in plant breeding and genetics.

See you at 1 PM for our seminar series finale.

🌱 Join us for the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics Seminar Series Finale! 🌱

Discover the fascinating world beneath the soil with Dr. Arthur Villordon of the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, Louisiana State University, USA 🇺🇸

📚 Topic:
“The Hidden Language of Roots: Lessons from Sweetpotato on Nutrients, Stress, and Yield”

🗓 May 21, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

Learn how root system architecture and sweetpotato research are helping improve nutrient-use efficiency, stress tolerance, and crop productivity for sustainable agriculture. 🌾

Don’t miss this insightful discussion with one of the leading experts in sweetpotato production research!

📲 Scan the QR code to register and join via Zoom.