Back To Home Page
Junior Breeder - Tomato
Date: 27 Aug 2026
Location:
Hyderabad, Hyderabad, IN
Company: Mahindra Agri Solutions
Job Description
Title: Junior Breeder - Tomato
Location: Hyderabad
Role Purpose
To support the tomato breeding program by executing field trials, data collection, hybridization activities, and selection processes, contributing to the development of high-performing tomato hybrids/varieties with improved yield, quality, disease resistance, and market-preferred traits.
Key Responsibilities
Breeding Program Execution
Support the planning and execution of tomato breeding trials under the guidance of the Senior Breeder.
Execute activities related to hybridization, emasculation, pollination, selection, nursery management, and advancement of breeding materials.
Assist in developing and managing early-generation and advanced tomato breeding populations.
Participate in parental line maintenance and seed increase activities.
Field Trial Management
Conduct tomato breeding trials, evaluation nurseries, and hybrid testing across locations as per defined protocols.
Ensure adherence to recommended experimental designs and trial standards.
Monitor trials to ensure proper crop establishment, plant health, uniformity, and reliable data generation.
Coordinate field operations including planting, staking, pruning, irrigation, crop protection, and harvesting activities.
Data Collection & Analysis
Collect accurate and timely phenotypic, horticultural, agronomic, disease, and fruit quality data.
Evaluate key tomato traits including:
Yield and yield components
Fruit size, shape, firmness, and color
Shelf life and transportability
Plant vigor and growth habit
Disease and pest tolerance/resistance
Processing and market-preferred characteristics
Maintain proper data records through manual and digital systems.
Support data validation, consolidation, and preliminary analysis for breeding decisions.
Agronomy & Crop Care
Ensure adoption of best agronomic practices for tomato crop management.
Monitor crop health and implement appropriate crop protection measures.
Identify and resolve field-level challenges affecting breeding trials and nursery performance.
Support disease screening and stress evaluation activities as required.
Stakeholder Coordination
Coordinate with trial teams, farm staff, pathology teams, seed production teams, and external growers for smooth execution of breeding activities.
Assist in organizing field days, crop tours, variety demonstrations, and internal review meetings.
Support collaboration with research stations and partner locations involved in tomato breeding trials.
Learning & Capability Building
Continuously build knowledge in:
Tomato breeding methodologies
Hybrid development and parental line management
Tomato crop agronomy and physiology
Disease and pest resistance breeding
Data management and breeding analytics tools
Stay updated with emerging breeding technologies, molecular breeding approaches, and industry developments relevant to tomato improvement.
Eligibility Criteria
Education
B.Sc. Agriculture / B.Sc. Horticulture (Mandatory)
M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding & Genetics) / M.Sc. Horticulture (Vegetable Science) preferred
Experience
4-8 years of experience in plant breeding, field trials, vegetable research, or crop improvement programs.
Prior experience in Tomato Breeding, Tomato Research, Vegetable Seed Industry, or related crop improvement activities is preferred.
Hands-on exposure to hybrid seed production, nursery management, and trait evaluation will be an advantage.
Skills & Functional Competencies
Basic understanding of:
Tomato breeding concepts and breeding methodologies
Hybridization and selection techniques
Experimental designs and field trial protocols
Trait evaluation and data collection systems
Disease and pest screening methodologies
Familiarity with digital data capture and breeding management tools (preferred).
Working knowledge of statistical analysis and trial data interpretation will be an advantage.
Skills & Personal Attributes
Strong execution focus and attention to detail.
High level of discipline in field operations and data management.
Willingness to work extensively in field and greenhouse environments.
Good coordination, communication, and teamwork skills.
Learning agility and scientific curiosity.
Problem-solving mindset and ability to manage field challenges.
Ability to follow structured guidance from senior breeders while working independently on assigned activities.
Passion for crop improvement and innovation in vegetable breeding.
Job Segment: Scientific, Engineering
