Mauricio Fernando
Martínez

Biography

Agronomist with a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Plant Biotechnology and a Ph.D. candidate in Agricultural Sciences with a focus on Plant Breeding at the National University of Colombia, Palmira campus. He has over 15 years of experience in developing technological foundations to ensure the genetic, physiological, and phytosanitary quality of propagation material in fruit crops, specifically citrus and avocado.

He also has expertise in the production of plant material under protected conditions and seed conservation. He has participated in research projects focused on the genetic improvement of citrus and avocado—both rootstocks and scions—with the aim of expanding varietal options in Colombia. Additionally, he has contributed to research projects on plant breeding and agronomic management of species such as yellow pitaya, passion fruit, and pineapple, generating management recommendations for these crops.

He currently serves as an Associate Master Researcher at the Palmira Research Center of AGROSAVIA, affiliated with the Fruit Crops Innovation Network. He leads projects primarily in the area of citrus and avocado breeding, where he has contributed to the development of six technological offerings, two citrus cultivars adapted to the Caribbean subregion of Colombia, and has co-authored more than 30 publications, including books, scientific papers, and technical articles.

He has also participated in numerous academic and technical events to present research findings and has been involved in teaching activities related to plant reproduction and propagation, as well as warm-climate fruit crops.

Projects