2025 APSA Seed Technology Webinar - Session 4 3 October 2025 / 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (GMT+7)

Hosted by APSA Standing Committee on Seed Technology, the webinar series on Seed Technology is organized exclusively for APSA members only. This year is the fifth year APSA will be holding this webinar series, and will focus on such topics as The Use of AI in the Seed Indutry, Susatinable Seed Enhancement, Seed Diagnostic Technologies & more.

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2025 APSA Seed Technology Webinar - Session 4
3 October 2025 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (GMT+7)

Pollen Science for the next generation : Technology, Storage & Applications

Speaker Bio & Abstract

Dr. P.E. Rajasekharan
Former Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Genetic Resources
ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, India

Profile:
Dr. P.E. Rajasekharan, a Former Principal Scientist at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, is a distinguished researcher with over 35 years of experience in biodiversity management, biotechnology, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Born on May 31, 1961, he holds a Ph.D. in Botany (in vitro conservation) from Bangalore University (2002), an M.Sc. in Botany from Calicut University (1984, 9th rank), and multiple postgraduate diplomas in IPR, Human Resource Management, and Ecology & Environment. His academic excellence is evident from his consistent top ranks, including first in SSLC and Pre-University, and a first rank in the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) examination in Economic Botany.

Dr. Rajasekharan’s career began at the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod (1985–1989), focusing on palm tissue culture. He joined the ARS in 1989, serving briefly at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, before moving to IIHR in 1990, where he has been a Principal Scientist since 2009. His areas of specialization include biodiversity management, ex situ conservation, cryopreservation, in vitro conservation, tissue culture, and IPR related to biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Since July 2023, he has served as an Advisor to the CEO of the Chhattisgarh Tribal Local Health Tradition and Medicinal Plants Board, significantly advancing MAP initiatives.

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Abstract:
Emerging Techniques in Pollen Cryopreservation for Enhancing Hybrid Seed Production in Horticultural Crops

Pollen cryopreservation has emerged as a critical tool in horticultural crop breeding, enabling long-term storage of viable pollen for use in controlled hybridization, germplasm conservation, and off-season crossing programs. Recent advancements have addressed key challenges in maintaining post-thaw viability and germination efficiency, with novel protocols, and ultra-rapid cooling methods improving outcomes across diverse taxa. The integration of techniques such as, silica gel desiccation, and optimized pre-freeze moisture regulation has enhanced pollen stability during ultra-low temperature storage, including liquid nitrogen immersion. Molecular and physiological assessments, including membrane integrity assays and ROS (reactive oxygen species) modulation, now provide better indicators for pollen viability prediction after storage. Additionally, the development of species-specific storage protocols and the use of programmable freezers have facilitated precision in cryo-optimization for recalcitrant and underutilized horticultural species. These emerging approaches not only extend the availability of elite pollen donors across seasons and geographies but also expand the genetic base for hybrid seed production in fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and plantation crops. As climate variability increasingly disrupts flowering synchrony, the strategic deployment of advanced pollen cryopreservation techniques offers a sustainable pathway for ensuring consistent hybrid seed supply, accelerating breeding cycles, and safeguarding horticultural biodiversity. 

Dr. Jörg Schrickel
Head of Marketing
Amphasys AG, Switzerland

Profile:
Jörg Schrickel studied chemistry at the University of Münster, Germany, followed by a PhD at the Max-Planck-Institute for Radiation Chemistry in Mülheim/Ruhr, Germany. After a 2 years post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, Jörg started an industrial career in sales and marketing of products in need of explanation, mainly for the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industry. In 2020 Jörg joined Amphasys and got involved in plant biology and in the various aspects of the seed industry which are related to insufficient reproduction, mainly caused by low pollen quality. 

Abstract
With Innovative Pollen Quality Analysis to More Success in Breeding and Seed Production

There is no doubt that efficient breeding and successful seed production are based on effective propagation. Effective plant reproduction requires high-quality pollen and an understanding of which genotypes produce the best-quality pollen, and which environmental conditions influence pollen quality. Pollen quality has emerged as a critical factor in breeding and seed production. Pollen, essential for transferring genetic material, is highly sensitive to environmental stressors as well as genetic issues. Ensuring its viability is vital for both hybrid and line breeding. For decades, a systematic screening of reproductive properties was not possible due to missing sophisticated technology. Amphasys’ advanced technology now enables breeders and seed producers to make informed decisions about best pollinator lines, crop placement, pollination strategies, and male-to-female ratios. Ultimately, these advancements contribute to more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. Pollen quality is no longer a secondary concern—it’s a cornerstone of modern, efficient, and climate-resilient agriculture. 

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