Dr. Ronke Justina Komolafe

Biography

I am a plant breeder, quantitative geneticist, and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Nigeria. I obtained my Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, M.Sc. in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos and a B.Tech. (Hons.) in Biology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
With over twelve years of teaching, research, and academic leadership experience, I have established myself as a researcher in crop genetics, plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and climate-resilient crop improvement. My research integrates conventional plant breeding with genomics, statistical genetics, phenotyping, and analytical approaches to develop improved crop varieties capable of withstanding stresses.
I have authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in reputable national and international journals covering genetic diversity, genotype × environment interaction, molecular characterization, quantitative trait analysis, and crop improvement in okra, cowpea, amaranth, and other economically important crops. My expertise includes multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA), AMMI, GGE biplot analysis, correlation and path coefficient analysis, as well as experimental design and quantitative genetics.
I currently serve as the Acting Head of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the Genetic Society of Nigeria, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the Association of Underutilized Legumes.
My long-term research vision is to leverage modern breeding technologies, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture to accelerate genetic gain, improve food security, contributing to sustainable agricultural development in Africa and beyond.

Research Interests

My research interests are in Plant Breeding and Genetics, with a focus on the genetic improvement of vegetables and legumes through germplasm characterization, genetic diversity analysis, quantitative genetics, mutation breeding, and stress-resilience breeding. My work integrates conventional breeding, biometrical genetics, and molecular approaches to develop high-yielding, nutritionally improved, and climate-resilient crop varieties that contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Qualifications

Awards

Scholarship

Membership of Professional Bodies

Paper Presentation - Local

Paper Presentation - International

Postgraduate Ph.D Supervision

Postgraduate M.Sc Supervision

Undergraduate Project Supervision

Course Teaching

Selected Publications