Derek Barchenger

Senior Scientist – Pepper Breeding

Dr. Derek W. Barchenger is a Senior Scientist and global pepper breeder at the World Vegetable Center, based at Headquarters. He leads international breeding efforts in chili, habanero, and sweet pepper, working with public and private partners across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific to deliver climate-resilient, farmer-preferred pepper varieties. He earned his PhD in Plant and Environmental Sciences from New Mexico State University, USA, and holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas and a BSc in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Barchenger’s research prioritizes farmer-focused, demand-led pepper breeding, driven by a strong commitment to science for impact. His work integrates climate resilience, resistance to major pests and diseases, and market-preferred traits using advanced genomics, high-throughput phenotyping, and multi-omics approaches. A core priority of his program is translating improved varieties into real-world impact through effective seed systems, public–private partnerships, and capacity sharing. Mentorship is a key pillar of his research program, and he co-advises PhD and MSc students affiliated with WorldVeg and partner universities. In recognition of his contributions to applied plant breeding and global food security, he received the 2025 Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application and the 2023 ASHS Early Career Award for Research, Innovation and Creativity.