MAY 2026  |  SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE  I  SEED WORLD EUROPE   I   13
HYLKE HOOGENBERG
Plant Breeder at Aardevo B.V., 
Netherlands
Hylke Hoogenberg is a plant breeder 
at Aardevo B.V. in the Netherlands, 
recognised for his ability to operate 
at the intersection of plant biology 
and data analysis. He combines a 
strong theoretical background in 
genetics, statistics and selection 
theory with a practical understanding 
of breeding programmes and product 
development.
Hylke is known for quickly 
grasping complex processes and 
identifying opportunities to improve 
breeding strategies. His ability 
to retain detailed knowledge of 
germplasm and breeding pipelines 
allows him to make well informed and 
strategic decisions that strengthen 
programme outcomes.
He believes the future of plant 
breeding will increasingly be shaped 
by consumer demand for more 
sustainable products and production 
systems. Breeding programmes 
will need to prioritise traits such as 
disease resistance, resource use 
efficiency and resilience to climate 
stresses. While he sees great 
potential in new genomic technologies 
to enhance breeding progress, 
he emphasises that they should 
complement rather than replace 
conventional breeding, helping to 
improve strong genetic backgrounds 
and accelerate the development of 
sustainable crop varieties.
MIGUEL ÁNGEL MORENO 
MARTÍNEZ
Plant Biotechnologist and 
Young Plant Breeder at the 
Polytechnic University of 
Valencia, Spain
Miguel Ángel Moreno Martínez 
developed an early interest in plant 
breeding while growing up around 
agriculture, watching his grandfather 
face the constant challenge of 
protecting crops from diseases and 
yield losses. This experience inspired 
him to pursue plant biotechnology and 
to work on practical solutions that can 
benefit farmers.
At the Polytechnic University 
of Valencia, he has contributed to 
the development of improved melon 
varieties, including a yellow melon 
resistant to Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi 
Virus (ToLCNDV) and a Piel de Sapo 
melon resistant to Macrophomina. 
His work combines classical breeding 
with advanced molecular tools to 
accelerate the development of disease 
resistant crops.
He is currently researching 
resistance mechanisms to Tomato 
Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) 
in tomato, one of the most significant 
emerging viral threats in horticulture. 
In 2025, he received the first ANOVE 
prize for final degree projects for his 
research on ToLCNDV infection in 
melon genotypes. For Miguel Ángel, 
plant breeding is about anticipating 
future challenges and developing 
resilient varieties that help farmers 
secure stable harvests.
PRUTHA PATEL
Plant Breeder at CN Seeds Ltd, 
United Kingdom
Prutha Patel is a young plant breeder 
at CN Seeds Ltd in the United 
Kingdom, bringing enthusiasm, 
curiosity and strong dedication to her 
work in crop improvement. Passionate 
about plant breeding and its role 
in agriculture, she is committed 
to developing new varieties that 
contribute to more sustainable farming 
systems and improved food security.
Working within CN Innovation’s 
research and development team, 
Prutha combines practical breeding 
work with a strong awareness of 
the needs of growers and the wider 
market. She actively engages 
with feedback from growers and 
commercial teams, using these 
insights to guide selection decisions 
and help ensure that new varieties 
deliver real value in the field.
Prutha believes plant breeders 
play a key role in shaping the future of 
sustainable agriculture. She supports 
the responsible use of innovation, 
including new genomic techniques 
in line with UK regulations, while 
considering their practical and ethical 
implications. Through collaboration 
and continuous learning, she aims 
to develop resilient, high performing 
varieties that support farmers and 
strengthen the competitiveness of the 
seed sector.

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