Heliopolis University Hosts Workshop on Organic Plant
Breeding

Location: SEKEM Farm, Egypt
Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development proudly organized a workshop on Organic
Plant Breeding at SEKEM Farm, conducted by EBDAModern Plant Breeding. The event, which
took place from May 7 to May 10, 2025, focused on integrating modern breeding techniques into
organic agriculture.
The workshop aimed to explore how modern breeding methods can benefit organic farming,
emphasizing the development of resilient crops, reduced pesticide use, and enhanced nutritional
value. Participants discussed the differences between traditional and modern breeding,
highlighting the efficiency and accuracy of modern techniques such as Marker-Assisted
Selection (MAS) and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
Key topics covered during the workshop included:
• Benefits of Modern Breeding: Faster development of resilient crops and addressing
climate change challenges.

• Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS): This technique helps develop pest and disease-
resistant varieties suitable for organic systems without genetic modification.

• Genomic Selection: Accelerates the identification of traits that are beneficial for organic
farming, such as nutrient efficiency and weed competitiveness.
• Participatory Breeding: Encourages collaboration between farmers and breeders to
tailor crops for organic environments.
An open discussion session allowed participants to address critical questions regarding the
challenges and innovations in organic breeding, particularly in light of restrictions on certain
modern technologies.
The workshop was well-received, fostering valuable dialogue among agriculture professionals
and emphasizing Heliopolis University’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural
practices. For more information about the workshop, please contact Hend Elsawy at
[email protected].