From Chaos to Clarity: The Breeding Software That Changed Everything for Me
When I first entered the world of seed breeding, joining Hazera as an assistant breeder for onions, I was full of excitement. I was drawn to the science, the impact, and the opportunity to be part of something that feeds the world. But it didn’t take long for me to run into a problem no one had warned me about: handling breeding data without the proper tools.
Paper, Templates… and Way Too Much Frustration
Back then, we did everything on paper. And the software we had? It was built for tomatoes -not onions. It felt more like I was filling out tax forms than working on a breeding program. Instead of supporting us, the system just got in the way. I spent many hours adjusting templates, trying to make them fit, only to get minimal value in return. It was draining.
Same Story, Different Place
When I moved to Enza Zaden, I hoped things would be different. But the challenges followed me. One moment still sticks with me. talking with a colleague in the U.S. about a germplasm source. To track it down, he had to sift through old, handwritten notebooks left behind by someone who’d retired over 10 years ago. All that valuable knowledge, hidden in piles of paper, almost lost.
Everything Shifted with Phenome
That’s when things changed. Enza adopted Phenome Networks, and for the first time, breeding data became something I could use. Observations, selections, pedigrees, seed stocks-it all became accessible, easy to manage, and even enjoyable to work with. Later, when I became a tomato breeder at Harmoniz, using Phenome just felt natural. It fit into my daily work, helped me manage cycles, and gave me the insights I needed to make smart decisions-quickly and with confidence.
The Big Realization
Breeding software isn’t just about data storage. It’s about giving breeders the space and structure to focus on what matters: better crops, better science, better results. The right system keeps things organized, aligns with your thinking, and lets you breathe a little easier.
Looking back, I’m thankful I got to experience that shift. And I’m even more thankful that today, through Phenome Networks, more breeders around the world can experience it too.
Best regards,
Professional vegetables breeder
