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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. |
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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.
