Hernan Torres Pacin

Position: Ph.D. Plant Breeding

Education History

• 2022 – B.S. Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Biography

Hernan’s research centers on prescriptive breeding for soybean, aiming to help in the development of cultivars specifically adapted to defined management systems such as different spatial planting arrangements (e.g., narrow or wide row spacing) and different production systems (e.g., relay cropping, conventional). His doctoral work focuses on understanding the physiological responses and yield performance of soybean cultivars planted under 38 cm (15-inch) and 76 cm (30-inch) row spacing at both optimal and delayed planting dates in central Iowa. This work addresses a critical gap in linking genotype performance under specific agronomic practices, enabling breeders to make more targeted and informed decisions. Prior to his doctoral studies, Hernan worked as a project manager in a private R&D company in Argentina, gaining experience across multiple crops. He also contributed to a remote sensing research team at the University of Buenos Aires, where he developed an interest in integrating field-based and aerial data for crop monitoring. At Iowa State University, he held leadership positions, including Seminar Co-Chair for the Agronomy Graduate Student Club, and served on the organizing committee for the Corteva-sponsored R. F. Baker Plant Breeding Symposium.

Current Project:  

Prescriptive Breeding for Soybean Row Spacing Arrangements

In the U.S., soybean production systems commonly use row spacings of 38 cm (15-inch) and 76 cm (30-inch). While narrow spacing may enhance early canopy closure and weed suppression, wider spacing may reduce disease pressure and fit existing equipment setups. This project aims to investigate whether optimal spatial planting arrangements differ between planting dates and whether these differences depend on genotype. A split-plot design experiment was planted to evaluate interactions among genotype, row spacing, and planting time. We will evaluate Leaf Area Index (LAI), Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) interception, and multispectral drone imaging across four different developmental stages to characterize spatial canopy traits. Results from this project will inform prescriptive breeding strategies for row spacing-specific cultivar development.