Yvan Latapie is currently enrolled at The University Paul Sabatier at Toulouse in France, where he is studying to obtain a Master's of Science in Biotechnology. He is presently carrying out a 5 month training period at the Horticulture Research and Development Centre (HRDC) located in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu during which he will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and practice traditional breeding methods under the supervision of Dr. Shahrokh Khanizadeh.

Abstract :
The objectives of the Quebec strawberry breeding program are the development of high yielding cultivars suitable for mechanical harvesting and processing, adapted to local growing conditions and environmental stresses such as low winter temperatures. Yvan is responsible for the evaluation of 'advanced selections' of strawberries and raspberries. Advanced selections are plants that have been chosen during the screening process because they have desirable characteristics but that need to undergo further testing to make sure that these traits are stable year after year. If distinctness and stability are shown throughout the process these advanced selections will eventually be named and cultivated commercially. Yvan will evaluate the chemical, physical and sensory properties of each advanced selection. Yvan will also select new parents among the known cultivars and realize a few crosses, as well as analyzing the data collected using statistical software (SAS) during his training period.

Address :
Yvan Latapie
The University Paul Sabatier at Toulouse

The person in charge of the training course: Shahrokh Khanizadeh