Yogyakarta, June 25, 2026 – The fourth day of the Advanced Training in Plant Health: From Field Surveillance to Molecular Technologies, organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in collaboration with the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), focused on integrating plant disease diagnostics with modern breeding strategies. Following previous sessions on field surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and bioinformatics, the program emphasized how diagnostic information can be translated into breeding decisions through Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) to accelerate the development of disease-resistant crop varieties.
The day began with a lecture entitled Linking Diagnostics to Breeding Decisions, delivered by Derek. Participants explored how plant disease diagnostics support breeding pipelines by identifying resistance genes, selecting desirable traits, and understanding major diseases affecting pepper breeding programs. The lecture demonstrated that successful crop improvement depends not only on agronomic performance but also on accurate pathogen detection and a thorough understanding of host–pathogen interactions.
The program continued with Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) & Genotyping Approaches, also presented by Derek. This session introduced participants to the principles of marker-assisted selection, including the use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, marker validation, and genotyping workflows commonly applied in breeding programs. Participants learned how molecular markers enable breeders to identify resistant genotypes more efficiently than conventional phenotypic selection methods.
Following the coffee break, participants attended the Case Study: Pepper Disease Resistance Deployment, where Derek presented real-world examples of resistance breeding against anthracnose, bacterial spot, and viral diseases in pepper. The session illustrated the complete pathway from disease screening and line selection to the challenges of deploying resistant varieties under diverse field conditions, providing valuable insights into the practical implementation of resistance breeding programs.
Before lunch, all facilitators led a panel discussion entitled From Lab to Field: Translating Resistance into Adapted Varieties. The discussion connected laboratory research with practical agricultural applications by addressing strategies for deploying resistant varieties, strengthening seed systems, and overcoming challenges in transferring scientific innovations into farmer adoption. Participants also engaged in interactive discussions on future collaborative research opportunities and sustainable crop protection strategies.
In the afternoon, participants joined the Lab Session: Marker Detection & Genotyping, facilitated by Jo, Prof. Ani Widiastuti, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., and Dr. Widhi Dyah Sawitri (UGM). During this practical session, participants performed DNA-based marker analysis, PCR-based marker detection, and interpretation of genotyping results to identify resistance-associated genetic markers. The laboratory exercise demonstrated how molecular techniques can substantially accelerate breeding programs by enabling early identification of resistant plant lines.
The fourth day concluded with Hands-on: Data Interpretation & Selection Decisions, facilitated by Dr. Widhi Dyah Sawitri, Lourena Maxwell, Ram, Prof. Ani Widiastuti, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., Owen, and Wallace. Participants integrated phenotypic screening data with genotypic information to identify promising resistant breeding lines and learned how molecular evidence supports breeding decisions for the development of superior crop varieties. The session emphasized the growing importance of data-driven breeding approaches in producing resilient crops capable of addressing future plant health challenges.
The fourth day of the Advanced Training in Plant Health: From Field Surveillance to Molecular Technologies further strengthened its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By enhancing participants’ knowledge of molecular breeding and Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), the training supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through the development of disease-resistant crop varieties that improve sustainable agricultural productivity. The program also contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through research-based and hands-on learning, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting biotechnology and molecular breeding innovations, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, the World Vegetable Center, and international researchers to strengthen global capacity in plant health and food security.
