Leticia Tombion

National Agricultural Technology Institute

Agricultural engineer and doctoral faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (UNLP)

What 3 to 4 professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• Reintroduced calibrachoa ‘Pampa Salmón INTA’ plants into the local ornamental plant market after successful PVY-free regeneration through meristem culture the first year I started working at the institute.
• Implemented a traceability system for the production of mother plants. Thanks to it, the production of our ornamental cultivars is carried out without difficulties, ensuring their supply to the market in a timely and efficient manner.
• The development of a protocol for micropropagation of Alstroemeria ‘Fiesta de 15 INTA’ from rhizome meristems, which could not have been possible until then. In addition, I also achieved the rooting of ‘Tecoma Victoria INTA’ under in vitro conditions that had not previously been possible.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• I took my first steps in the horticultural industry after graduating from agronomy when I set up a retail nursery because I have always been attracted to ornamental plants.
• Then, I applied for a scholarship at the Instituto de Floricultura (INTA) to do my doctoral studies and I was selected, and from there I continued with my love for this topic. Currently, I also teach horticulture at the Universidad Nacional de Luján (UNLu).

What’s the best thing about your job? (Please select one)

• I get to do what I love, every day

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I play with my daughter, I play with my husband and I play with plants. I play all the time to live happily.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Spending time with my family 
• Reading books
• Cooking 
• Sewing toiletry and tote bags

When you’re not working, what are 2 to 3 things we could find you doing?

• Playing with my daughter 
• Reading books when she’s asleep

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out?

• Yes, I love writing. You will see the results of my work soon.

One thing you can’t live without?

• My family

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• I’m very good at killing flies.

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Health 
• Love 
• Happiness

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• My favorite plants are roses, mainly the red ones. I love their scent, freshness and elegance.

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• Italy