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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Dr Renee Prins, Founder and Director of CenGen (Pty) Ltd, about the role of molecular genetics and DNA technology in agriculture.
Dr Prins explains how DNA markers allow plant breeders to identify desirable genes while plants are still seedlings. This helps breeding programmes focus their land, infrastructure and resources on the most promising material. Although DNA technology does not remove the need for years of field evaluation, it can make the breeding process considerably more efficient.
The conversation explores CenGen’s growth from a small laboratory in Worcester into an agricultural genetics company serving clients across numerous crops and industries. Its work has expanded from wheat and barley into fruit, grapevines, groundnuts, indigenous plants, insects and biodiversity research.
Dr Prins also discusses CenGen’s participation in the 1KSA initiative, which aims to sequence the genomes of 1,000 indigenous South African organisms. In the past 18 months alone, the CenGen team has sequenced more than 106 important plants, along with several insects.Another important focus is CenGen’s educational outreach. Since 2021, more than 1,000 learners have participated in its genetics workshops, where they experience real DNA extraction and learn how concepts from the school curriculum are applied in a working laboratory.
The discussion covers:
•How DNA markers support plant-breeding decisions
•Why field evaluation remains essential
•Genetics in fruit, grain and grapevine production
•Identifying pollination compatibility in orchards
•Genome sequencing of indigenous South African species
•The role of molecular genetics in food production
•Making genetics accessible to high-school learners
•Creating opportunities for young people in science
•The challenges of building a private agricultural laboratory
•Why applied research must respond to producers’ immediate needs
•Building a scientific team and a sustainable organisation
Dr Prins also reflects on founding CenGen despite being warned that the business might not succeed. Her journey demonstrates what can be achieved through persistence, scientific curiosity and a determination to apply research to real agricultural challenges.
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