East-West Seed grants award to thesis on plant genetics

MANILA, Philippines - Plant scientist Nina Alejandro Perez received East-West Seed thesis prize at the Royal Dutch Society for Sciences.

Her fundamental research into the plant Solanum dulcamara provides insights into its extraordinary adaptability to environmental extremes. 

Solanum dulcamara is related to tomato and thrives everywhere in the Netherlands, both in humid grounds and in dryer areas such as the Dutch dunes.

Perez studied the relevance of epigenetics for the plant’s ability to adapt to habitat extremes.

The results provide insights into the role of epigenetics in adaptation to flooding or drought.

This fundamental knowledge can be valuable for development of new crops that are less sensitive to climate change or better able to adapt to habitat extremes.

Bert van der Feltz, CEO of  East-West Seed, said: “I am very enthusiastic about Nina’s research. Her findings are important in the development of new tropical vegetable varieties. Our breeders in Asia focus on continuous improvement of vegetable crops that are adapted to tropical weather conditions and local demand.”

Perez conducted her research as part of her Masters in Biology studies at Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

The Royal Dutch Society for Sciences formed the jury. It judges many other scientific prizes.