Stone House Breeding
Rooted in science. Grown with imagination.
Stone House Breeding has a simple goal: to create exceptional tomatoes that are easier to grow, whether you tend a backyard garden, a few patio containers, a windowsill, or a market garden. Everybody should be able to grow and enjoy homegrown tomatoes!
Stone House Breeding grew out of my love of gardening and the excitement of discovering what a cross of two plants might bring. Named for the 1938 stone house where it all began in the garden.
I’m Christopher Kafer, a plant scientist and tomato breeder in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a Ph.D. in plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology from Iowa State University, 24 years of experience as a scientist and program lead at a large agricultural company, I bring a scientific foundation to a deeply personal pursuit.
The farm is where I explore possibilities; my home laboratory is where I dive into the science with marker-assisted selection, helping me identify plants carrying useful traits. I see breeding as both science and artistic expression, with each new cross offering the possibility of something remarkable.
My Work
Disease resistance
A significant challenge in the SE USA is disease pressure. Marker Assisted Selection helps me identify plants that carry genes for multiple disease and pest resistance, like Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
Unique traits
There is a palette of traits to combine in new tomato varieties, no two crosses are the same. The field becomes a canvas of tomato art.
Science
The modern tool of genetic testing accelerates my selection of unique plants. DNA is a “barcode” that can be read with the right tools.
Questions?
Have a breeding idea in mind? Want to collaborate?
Lets talk! Chris@stonehousebreeding.com