Past years in plant breeding programs have focused on selecting yield and fruit size, while neglecting nutritional contents and flavor. A large number of crops with potential commercial applications is not being explored. The path towards a more sustainable planet must consider the development of more nutritious and attractive crops, the access to a larger range of products, and the reduction of agricultural field areas. Advancements in understanding plant genetics is fundamental, but other factors are equally important. We will discuss the role of environmental factors, particularly light, and the emergence of new methods that combine Biology with Bioengineering.

Sofía Carvalho

Originally from Portugal, where I did my studies in Biological Engineering and PhD in Plant Molecular Biology. I first focused on basic research using Arabidopsis as a plant model and looked at the relevance of alternative splicing in plant stress responses. I then moved to the University of Florida as a postdoc and worked on the development of light methods for improved crop value using LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Currently at Yachay Tech and in Ecuador, I want to explore this technology to extract the maximum potential of local crops.