Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. is recognized for his pioneering and outstanding contributions in the field of plant breeding, specifically tropical vegetables and tropical white potato breeding. As team leader, he led the development of hybrids of ampalaya, squash, tomato, eggplant, chili, cabbage and open- pollinated onion at East West Seed Company widely distributed in the country and other parts of Asia. At the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), the cultivars of upo, squash and ampalaya he developed with students and co-workers are still widely utilized by farmers.
Birthdate: February 3, 1950
Educational Background:
- Doctor in Plant Breeding and International Agriculture - Cornell University 1979
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Science University of the Philippines Los Baños 1971
- Master of Science in Plant Physiology - University of the Philippines Los Baños 1974
Research Interest:
- Vegetables, potato and sweet-potato breeding and agronomy
- Science and society
- Genetically-modified crops
- Under-utilized crops
- Sustainability of modern agriculture
- Energy in rice farming
- Coping with climate change
- Rural transformation through a science-based support system for rice farmers
Honor and Awards:
- 2009 - Outstanding Alumnus Award - University of the Philippines System
- 2009 - Academician - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2009 - Outstanding Monograph Award - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2008 - Outstanding Book Award - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2007 - 25th Anniversary Recognition Award - East-West Seed Company
- 1997 - Honorary Fellow Award - Federation of Crop Science of the Philippines
- 1991 - Civil Service National Award for Vegetable Team of IPB
- 1990 - Pantas Award - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD)
- 1990 - Rizal Pro Patria Award - Department of Agriculture
- 1989 - Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) - Philippine Jaycees
- 1989 - Ten Outstanding Young Scientist (TOYS) - Department of Science and Technology
- 1984 - Achievement Award - Society for the Advancement of Vegetable Industry
