Makassar—TRG Postharvest Metabo-Engineering organized a public lecture entitled “From Ancient Domestication to Modern Breeding: Hasanuddin University and TU Wien Explore the Future of Crops.” The activity was held on August 19, 2026, at Lecture Theater 6, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University. The event served as a learning platform that brought together students and academics to explore the development of food crops from early domestication to modern plant breeding techniques.
The activity was designed to broaden students’ understanding of crop evolution and the development of science and technology in plant breeding. Through collaboration with TU Wien, Austria, the lecture also provided an opportunity to strengthen academic knowledge exchange and introduce broader perspectives on agricultural and plant sciences.
Under the theme “Crop Evolution – From Hunter-Gatherers to New Breeding Techniques,” Dr. Haselmair-Gosch from TU Wien traced the long relationship between humans and plants. The discussion began with early hunter-gatherer societies and the domestication of plants before progressing toward selective cultivation. Participants were introduced to how human selection across generations gradually shaped plant characteristics and contributed to the development of crops that have become important components of food systems.
The discussion then focused on modern plant breeding techniques. Advances in genetics and biotechnology are providing researchers with new opportunities to develop crop traits in a more targeted and precise manner. These approaches can support the development of food crops that are more productive, adaptable, and resilient in response to emerging agricultural challenges, including changing environmental conditions and increasing food demand.
The activity involved 64 students, including Yuliana Mahmuddin, Karfillah, Sri Nanda Putri, and students from the Agricultural Engineering and Agrotechnology programs at Hasanuddin University. Their participation provided an opportunity to gain broader insights into developments in plant breeding while understanding the connection between scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and the future needs of agriculture.
This activity also demonstrated a commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, the program contributed to SDG 1: No Poverty by promoting knowledge related to productive and adaptable crops that may support agricultural productivity and sustainable livelihoods. Second, the activity supported SDG 4: Quality Education through academic learning and knowledge exchange. Third, and most importantly, the collaboration embodied SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the importance of international cooperation between Hasanuddin University and TU Wien in strengthening academic and scientific exchange.
Overall, the public lecture became more than a learning activity; it served as a platform for expanding students’ understanding of crop evolution, introducing modern plant breeding developments, and strengthening international academic collaboration toward a more innovative and sustainable future for agriculture.
