Horticultural crop breeder joins Texas A&M
Svyantek brings plant breeding, genetic expertise for Texas’ small fruit crops
Andrej Svyantek, Ph.D., has joined the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Horticultural Sciences as an assistant professor and researcher focusing on horticultural crop breeding.
Svyantek earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agronomy and soils, and horticulture, respectively, from Auburn University and his doctorate in plant sciences from North Dakota State University. His position is 60% research, 30% teaching and 10% outreach.
Building a research program
Svyantek will lead a statewide plant breeding program. His primary focus will be on fruits and rootstocks, such as grapes and peaches and also a few other horticultural crops based on grower interests.
Within his grapevine genetic breeding research and trials, he intends to work with both scions and rootstocks to provide growers with grafting options that address localized challenges such as soil types and disease.
His breeding research will also focus on characterizing the genetics related to disease resistance, fruit ripening chemistry, plant stress physiology and plant phenology, including plant stage timing such as fruit maturation to avoid pests or extreme weather conditions.
“My breeding program will work toward giving growers new varieties with characteristics optimized to meet industry demands,” Svyantek said. “This includes enhanced flavor profiles and resilience to environmental stresses.
“Plant breeding is a cross-disciplinary, collaborative process, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and with growers to create varieties that support sustainable production in Texas and beyond.”
Focus on grower and student needs
Svyantek said his experience growing grapevines in a wide range of environments and climates ranging from Alabama to North Dakota will help him identify potential solutions for Texas. He will meet with growers across the state to identify ways his efforts can support their needs.
“Each grower is going to bring a unique perspective,” he said. “That is what is exciting to me from the research and outreach standpoint. We are developing scientific solutions and applying that science in the field to create impact for our farmers.”
Svyantek will also be teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses focused on plant breeding. He will be teaching Viticulture and Small Fruit Culture, which will establish students’ base in growing grapes, muscadines, berries and other small fruits.
“I want students to find the path they want for their career and lives,” he said. “It’s exciting to share the lessons that I’ve learned with our students and share what the research program reveals for our industry.”
