Specialty: Plant biotechnology and phytochemicals (Sechium edule); germplasm conservation; agricultural biodiversity policy; rural innovation and technology transfer; intellectual property & Nagoya Protocol implementation
Dr. Jorge Cadena Íñiguez is a botanist and agronomist whose work bridges plant biotechnology, phytochemical discovery—especially in Sechium edule (chayote)—and the conservation and utilization of agricultural biodiversity. He founded Mexico’s interdisciplinary research group on Sechium edule and established the world’s only chayote germplasm bank, advancing in-situ and ex-situ conservation, varietal registration, and the translation of bioactive findings into rural innovation and market applications. He has directed international collaborations (Mexico–Japan Nagoya Protocol model, UNDP biodiversity strategy, Dominican Republic export development) and leads Agro Productividad (CONAHCYT) as Editor-in-Chief.
SNI: National Researcher (SNI) Level II (2008–2027)
Areas of Focus
- Plant biotechnology and bioactive compounds (Cucurbitaceae; anticancer/functional traits)
- Germplasm banking, varietal improvement, and agricultural biodiversity management
- Nagoya Protocol interpretation/operation; IP management and technology transfer
- Rural enterprise development and value-chain formation for non-traditional export crops
- Science communication and scholarly publishing (editorial leadership)
Education
- Ph.D. in Botany — Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico (2005)
- M.Sc. in Botany — Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico (2000)
- B.Eng. in Agronomy — Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Mexico (1983)
Academic & Professional Appointments
- Professor–Researcher (Tenured), Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus San Luis Potosí (since 2007)
- Curator, Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanical Garden, INIREB (1983–1988)
- Technical Cooperation (GTZ), DUAL System Coordinator, Veracruz (1989–1995)
- Consultant, export producer networks for non-traditional vegetables (U.S. & Canada markets) (1996–2004)
- Coordinator, LEADER Mexico–Spain project (local development, rural enterprises, resource management) (2005–2006)
- Editor-in-Chief, Agro Productividad (CONAHCYT) (2011–present)
- European Project Management Certification — IPMA Project Director, Level B (2009, 2015, 2022)
International Programs & Leadership
- Founder & manager, Chayote (Sechium edule) Germplasm Bank (unique worldwide)
- Mexico–Japan Nagoya Protocol interpretation & operation model
- UNDP project: in-situ conservation strategy for agricultural biodiversity in Mexico
- Export development of tayota (Dominican Republic)
- Founder, AgroDivulgación (science outreach)
Research Output & Innovation
- 109 peer-reviewed articles; 12 books
- 6 granted process patents; 2 pending
- 19 granted plant variety registrations
- 17 technological innovations reported
- 49 postgraduate researchers trained (M.Sc./Ph.D.)
- 87 rural enterprises formed through technology-based development
- Citations (SCI): 1,312 · h-index: 21 · i10-index: 39
Awards & Distinctions
- “Académico distinguido” (2008–2023, annual)
- Recognition includes the Miguel Alemán Valdés Prize for Innovation linked to a rural enterprise under his guidance (2019)
Graduate Teaching
- Postgraduate courses: Legislation & Intellectual Property; Land-Use Planning for Territorial Development