María Jesús Muñoz Morales
Los alcázares
Summary
Senior Melon Breeder with over 15 years of experience in multinational seed companies, specialized in breeding strategy definition, germplasm and hybrid development, disease resistance integration, and delivery of market-oriented varieties. Proven track record in managing breeding pipelines end-to-end and leading multidisciplinary teams in international environments. Strong background in molecular tools, pathology screening, DH technology, and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Senior Melon Breeder
Takii Spain
05.2020 - Current
- Full ownership of Piel de Sapo and Yellow Canary Orange flesh melon breeding programs.
- Definition and execution of breeding strategies aligned with commercial and product development objectives. Development of parental lines and advancement of hybrids from early screening to advanced trials. Integration of molecular markers, pathology tests, DH technology, and multi-location field trials into selection schemes. Close collaboration with pathology, molecular labs, operations, logistics, and commercial teams.
- Management and development of a multidisciplinary breeding and technical team.
- Technical support to Galia breeding program based in France.
Research Associate – Melon Breeding
BAYER CROPSCIENCE (formerly MONSANTO)
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Active contributor to melon breeding programs across multiple market segments.
- Execution and evaluation of breeding and screening trials for germplasm and hybrid selection. Application of molecular markers and pathology assays for resistance screening. Involvement in DH production, crossing blocks, and population development.
- Collaboration with global breeding, pathology, molecular, and operations teams.
Research Associate – Melon Breeding
MONSANTO AGRICULTURE
12.2008 - 09.2018
- Progressive responsibility within the melon breeding program over a 10-year period.
- Management of breeding pipelines from population creation through field evaluation and selection. Design and execution of field trials to evaluate agronomic, horticultural, resistance, and quality traits. Close interaction with molecular laboratories, pathology teams, logistics, and discovery scientists.
- Contribution to the advancement of elite germplasm and hybrid candidates.
Agricultural Engineer
AGROQUÍMICOS TORRE PACHECO S.L.
Torre-Pacheco
01.2005 - 11.2008
- Technical advisory services to farmers in greenhouse, open-field, and citrus crops.
- Integrated pest management, disease diagnosis, and proper use of plant protection products. Combination of technical and commercial responsibilities.
Agricultural Engineer
AGROCEREVAL S.L.
Valdepeñas
03.2002 - 12.2004
- Technical support to farmers, mainly in organic farming systems, as well as in conventional crops.
- Pest and disease management, and sustainable crop practices.
Education
Master of Science - Master of Oenology
San Jorge University & ESAH
Zaragoza10-2021
Master of Science - Master of Agricultural Engineering
Miguel Hernández University
Orihuela06-2018
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Engineering
University of Castilla-La Mancha
Ciudad Real06-1999
Ph.D. - PhD Program in Agricultural, Agro-Environmental An
Miguel Hernández University
OrihuelaSkills
- Breeding strategy and pipeline management
- Germplasm, parental line and hybrid development
- Disease resistance screening and integration
- Molecular markers and DH technology
- Experimental design and field trial evaluation
- Cross-functional collaboration (pathology, molecular, operations, commercial)
- Team leadership and staff development
Languages
Spanish
Native
Native
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Certification
Occupational Risk Prevention – Safety at Work, Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomics and Psychology
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Melon Breeder
Takii Spain
05.2020 - Current
Research Associate – Melon Breeding
BAYER CROPSCIENCE (formerly MONSANTO)
09.2018 - 05.2020
Research Associate – Melon Breeding
MONSANTO AGRICULTURE
12.2008 - 09.2018
Agricultural Engineer
AGROQUÍMICOS TORRE PACHECO S.L.
01.2005 - 11.2008
Agricultural Engineer
AGROCEREVAL S.L.
03.2002 - 12.2004
Master of Science - Master of Oenology
San Jorge University & ESAH
Master of Science - Master of Agricultural Engineering
Miguel Hernández University
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Engineering
University of Castilla-La Mancha
Ph.D. - PhD Program in Agricultural, Agro-Environmental An
Miguel Hernández University