Gerrit H.J. Kema is an emeritus professor of phytopathology and former head of the Laboratory of Phytopathology at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. With degrees in agronomy, plant breeding, and phytopathology, he brings 40 years of research expertise in host and pathogen genetics and genomics. His work has spanned from studying Zymoseptoria tritici in wheat to specializing in foliar and vascular diseases of tropical perennial crops, particularly banana.
Throughout his career, Prof. Kema has mentored numerous students and led significant international research initiatives, advancing sustainable solutions for global agricultural challenges. His research led to the establishment of a joint venture, Yelloway, in which Chiquita collaborates with KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) to develop innovative solutions for banana cultivation. He is co-editor, alongside Prof. André Drenth of Queensland University, of a book series on the sustainable cultivation of bananas, further contributing to the field’s knowledge and best practices.
