Pinoy corn breeder cited for breakthrough molecular plant work

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.