A scientific field trip was organized under the supervision of Dr. Rabia Rawashdeh for students of the Biotechnology course to Al Oula Seed Production Company, with the aim of linking theoretical concepts to practical applications in the fields of plant improvement, seed production, and modern biotechnologies.
During the visit, students explored the different stages of seed production, starting from hybridization and genetic selection, through field evaluation and genetic analysis, and ending with packaging and marketing. They also learned about greenhouse farming systems, types of cultivated crops, and the importance of hybrid plants (F1) compared to open-pollinated (OP) plants in achieving higher productivity and quality.
The visit included learning about variety evaluation programs according to international standards, mechanisms for tomato seedling production and tracking, as well as sustainability practices in agricultural systems through reusing organic waste. Students also reviewed the impact of environmental factors on plant growth, particularly day length and its effect on flowering and production schedules.
On the practical side, students visited the laboratory and learned about methods for testing seed quality and genetic analysis using modern techniques such as RT-PCR, in addition to the role of artificial intelligence technologies in sorting and packaging seeds. They also explored seed storage systems and seed banks, as well as processing, marketing, and export operations.
The visit concluded with a scientific lecture on concepts of hybridization and plant improvement, emphasizing that hybrid plants (F1) result from traditional crossbreeding between selected strains and are not genetically modified organisms. The students were accompanied by engineer Rami Abu Musa, who provided a comprehensive explanation of the company’s operations, experiments, and greenhouses, as well as delivering the valuable scientific lecture. Mr. Mohammad Al-Akour, a distinguished graduate of the Faculty of Science at Yarmouk University, also joined the trip, clarifying the scientific aspects and laboratory techniques.
This trip highlights the importance of biotechnology in advancing the agricultural sector and its role in preparing students for the labor market by connecting academic knowledge with practical application.
