Pinoy corn breeder cited for breakthru work in molecular plant breeding
For his excellent work in the formulation and implementation of a more
improved corn breed variety which now benefits 20,000 Filipino farmers
throughout the country, former University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB)
professor Peter S. Guzman recently got the highest and most distinguished award
UPLB gives to its alumni.
A commercial pipeline breeder of Monsanto, Guzman was cited by the UPLB
College of Agriculture Alumni Association (UPLBCAAA) as this year’s
Distinguished Alumnus for his significant contributions in the development of
plant breeding for the local agricultural sector. The award was presented at
the 97th UPLB Loyalty Day and Alumni Homecoming last October 9.
The UPLB Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes those alumni who
excelled in their fields of endeavor, especially those who made an impact in
addressing development issues.
In giving the award to Guzman, UPLBCAAA cited his significant
contributions to improving the school’s instruction, research and extension and
for his numerous scientific breakthrus at Monsanto.
At UPLB, Guzman developed a graduate course on then emerging field of
molecular plant breeding, while his extension work included the formulation and
implementation of a seed production and distribution program for yellow and
white corn varieties, benefitting around 20,000 resource poor farmers in the
country.
He also took part in leading the establishment of Monsanto’s Harrisburg
Corn Research Station in South Dakota, US.
“My work with Monsanto allowed me to discover breakthrough solutions
that improve the lives of our farmers. This recognition inspires me to further
my research on modern agricultural practices to address the pressing problems
of food security and sustainability” Guzman said.
Guzman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, cum laude, and Master’s
degree in Plant Breeding from UPLB, a Doctorate degree from Iowa State
University, and a post-doctorate degree from the University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign. He was previously an assistant professor and science research
specialist at UPLB prior to his ten-year stint at Monsanto, which began in
2005.
