Sakata Seed America Appoints Mark Frahm as Melon Breeder; Jeff Zischke Comments
WOODLAND, CA - Sakata Seed America is continuing to press the gas on growth in the melon category. Recently, we reported on the launch of its New Horizon watermelon varieties. And now, the seed maven has followed up with even more exciting news, as it announced Mark Frahm has joined its Research and Development team as the company’s Melon Breeder.
“Sakata’s products have a certain quality that I have admired throughout my tenure in plant breeding,” Frahm said. “I’m thrilled for this opportunity to create varieties that bring a reliable yield to the grower and an unforgettable experience for the consumer. Expect big things from Sakata’s melons in the near future!”
Frahm began his breeding career fifteen years ago at Nunhems, according to a press release, and holds extensive knowledge surrounding the trialing and development of melons throughout North, Central, and South America.
He has worked in every step of the breeding process for melons and bringing new genetics to market. Frahm also received a Bachelor of Science in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Michigan State University.
“Mark is the perfect addition to the team. His leadership skills and deep understanding of the plant breeding process will continue to bolster Sakata’s position as a leader in the cantaloupe segment. He will work out of our state-of-the-art, Woodland Innovation Center in Woodland, California—a perfect environment to support and enhance the team’s work. We’re very excited for what’s to come out of the Sakata melon program,” says Jeff Zischke, Senior Director of Research and Development.
Congratulations to Mark Frahm on this recent appointment! AndNowUKnow will be on the lookout for upcoming developments and innovations from Sakata, so keep an eye out for our logo.