Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is a leading research university based in Quito, Ecuador, with three research stations located in the Amazon rainforest, Galapagos Islands, and the Andean region. For over 15 years, its research lab has specialized in pathogen identification, plant stress responses, and plant–microbe interactions across key crops such as potato, tomato, banana, broccoli, and maize.
USFQ brings access to a rich collection of native and commercial potato varieties, essential for exploring genetic resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The university’s advanced facilities include greenhouses and field stations for pathogenicity testing, a molecular biology lab for pathogen identification, and a microbiology lab for culturing and characterizing pathogens.
“At the University of Burgos, our mission is to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact—transforming knowledge into solutions that address society’s most pressing challenges. “
USFQ Team
Carmen Castillo
INIAP Senior Researcher Plant Pathology Department
PhD, Entomology, Plant Pathology
Role in POMATO: Genetic resistance, Case study
Xavier Cuesta
INIAP Senior Researcher Potato Breeding Program
PhD, Potato breeding, Genetic resistance
Role in POMATO: Genetic resistance, Validation field trials
Erick Cadena
Researcher
MSc in microbiology and molecular biology
Role in POMATO: Research activities in WP2 and WP5
Noelia Barriga
Lab manager
MSc in microbiology and molecular biology
Role in POMATO: Administrative
Jael Flores
Laboratory and research assistant
BSc in Microbiology and plant biology
Role in POMATO: Research activities in WP2 and WP5
Antonio Leon-Reyes
Professor Agronomy Department
PhD in Plant Microbe interactions and Phytopathology
Role in POMATO: Senior researcher involved in WP2 and WP5
Led by the University of Burgos, POMATO brings together 16 partners from top universities, research organizations, SMEs, agrochemical companies, and farmers. Our international partners from regions severely affected by Cs/Rs, like Colombia and Ecuador, ensure that we exchange best practices and adapt solutions to different farming environments.
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