As ATP Nutrition continues to expand its scientific leadership in plant nutrition, biostimulants, and analytical tools, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Barbara Hodecker has joined ATP as the Director of Research and Development.
” True agricultural growth begins with the roots of knowledge. By deepening our understanding of plant nutrition and physiology, we cultivate the future of farming. Science and education are the keys to improving nutrient use efficiency and understanding how biostimulants can help plants withstand abiotic stress.”
The Director of Research and Development is central to advancing our innovation pipeline, leading the design, execution, and delivery of cutting-edge research to meet the evolving agronomic needs of the marketplace.
From managing research trials and growth chamber screening, to overseeing laboratory operations and building key stakeholder relationships, this role will help shape the future of ATP’s product development and technical positioning. The Director of R&D will work closely with our agronomy, marketing, and regulatory teams, bringing forward the next generation of technology for broad acre agriculture.
Dr. Barbara Hodecker is a professional with a deep passion for plant nutrition, plant physiology, and soil fertility. She is fascinated by how metabolic processes at the cellular level determine plant health and productivity. Her expertise extends to research on abiotic stress and plant nutrition, employing morphological, physiological, and molecular approaches. Barbara has conducted extensive assessments of critical metabolic alterations in plants under stress conditions.
Barbara has extensive experience with controlled release fertilizers, various micronutrient formulations and foliar nutrition. Her work with Biostimulants, applied as seed enhancers and foliar treatments, has deepened her appreciation for their role in supporting plant resilience (abiotic stress) to maximize the crops growth potential.
With a passion for education, Barbara has held roles as a professor in Brazil, teaching subjects such as Plant Biochemistry, Soil Fertility, Forest Management, Statistics, and Scientific Methodology for over four years, as well as Plant Nutrition for two years. During this time, she mentored numerous students and contributed to the academic development of the agricultural and forestry sectors while also publishing international scientific manuscripts.
Barbara’s practical field experience was further enhanced during her time at Compass Minerals and ICL Specialty Fertilizers in Brazil, where, as a Market Developer, she applied her theoretical knowledge to crops such as soybeans, corn, cotton, coffee, and common beans. After relocating to Canada she resumed her agricultural career in 2023 as a Proprietary Representative followed by the role of Agronomic Innovation Manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions. This provided her insights into Western Canadian agriculture, particularly canola and cereal crops.
Barbara holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering, a Master of Science in Soil and Plant Nutrition, and a Doctor of Science in Soil and Plant Nutrition from the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, with part of her doctoral research conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia.
Barbara enjoys spending quality time with her family, Arthur (7) and husband Thiago, and she has a keen interest in the role of Boron in mitigating abiotic stress in plants and holds a particular fascination with the electron transport chain in photosynthesis.