Junior Breeder - Tomato

Mahindra And Mahindra Ltd.; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Mahindra And Mahindra Ltd. in Hyderabad seeks an experienced Tomato Breeding Specialist to execute field trials and contribute to developing high-performing hybrids with improved yield and disease resistance.

You will work under the Senior Breeder, coordinating breeding activities and ensuring robust data collection. The role involves managing trial designs, data entry, and collaboration with farm staff and pathology teams.

Qualifications

• BSc in Agriculture or Horticulture is mandatory.
• MSc in Plant Breeding & Genetics or Vegetable Science is preferred.
• 4-8 years in plant breeding, field trials, or vegetable research.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of tomato breeding trials under the Senior Breeder.
• Execute hybridization, emasculation, pollination, selection, nursery management, and advancement of breeding materials.
• Assist in developing and managing early-generation and advanced tomato breeding populations.
• Coordinate field operations including planting, staking, pruning, irrigation and harvesting.
• Collect phenotypic, horticultural, agronomic, disease, and fruit quality data; maintain records and support data analysis.

Skills

Field operations

Data management

Coordination

Communication

Learning agility

Problem solving

Crop breeding knowledge

Education

B.Sc. Agriculture / B.Sc. Horticulture

M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding & Genetics) / M.Sc. Horticulture (Vegetable Science)

Job description

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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.
• 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.