Manje Gowda is a maize molecular breeder based in Kenya with CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program. His current research focuses on the identification, validation and deployment of novel genetic variation into elite germplasm, integrating knowledge on plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and molecular breeding to improve maize breeding efficiency.
In close collaboration with CIMMYT maize breeders, he implements forward breeding and genomic selection in CIMMYT’s Eastern and Southern Africa maize breeding programs. He gives maize breeders access to the newest genotyping technologies and is involved in the development of high quality seeds through rigorous application of marker based QA&QC.