National Garden Bureau (NGB) and All-America Selections (AAS) are delighted to announce that Terry Berke, retired hot pepper breeder from Bayer/Seminis, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 AAS Breeders’ Cup Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to horticulture through their plant breeding innovations.
The AAS Breeders’ Cup Award was established 22 years ago to honor breeders whose groundbreaking work has led to the development of new cultivars that have had a profound impact on the industry.
If you’ve ever felt the slow-burn of a perfectly balanced habanero or enjoyed the rich, smoky depth of a gourmet mole, there is a very good chance you have Terry Berke to thank. Often referred to as one of the most prolific pepper breeders in the industry, Berke’s career at Seminis (and later Bayer) has been defined by a rare ability to bridge the gap between commercial efficiency and home-garden flavor.
For decades, Terry Berke served as a Lead Pepper Breeder at Seminis Vegetable Seeds, continuing his work after the company was acquired by Bayer Crop Science. Terry’s peers and co-workers, Tyler Ash and Pieter Westerbeek, explained that while many breeders focus strictly on yield or disease resistance for commercial shipping, Berke became famous for his “dual-track” success. He developed varieties that could withstand the rigors of large-scale farming while maintaining the nuanced flavor profiles and unique shapes that home gardeners crave.
His work wasn’t just about heat; it was about reliability. Berke’s breeding programs stabilized many of the pepper types we now take for granted in the produce aisle, ensuring that a “Habanero” or a “Cayenne” looked and tasted consistent every time it was planted.
The AAS Legend: Bringing Awards to the Backyard
Berke’s legacy is perhaps most visible in the All-America Selections (AAS) winner’s circle. He has the rare distinction of having bred nine AAS winners, which are awarded only after rigorous, independent trialing across North America.
Variety Year Type and Why it Won
- Mariachi 2006 Chili Fleshy fruity taste and high yield.
- Holy Molé 2007 Pasilla/Mulato The first of its kind with high yield and easy-to-grow “Molé” flavor.
- Emerald Fire 2015 Jalapeno Large, tasty fruits, thick walls and disease resistant.
- Flaming Flare 2015 Fresno Widely adapted, large fruits, prolific yield.
- Flaming Jade 2016 Serrano Disease resistance, prolific yields, uniform plants.
- Sweet Sunset 2018 Banana Compact plants, high-yielding X3R variety, good for containers.
- Hot Sunset 2015 Hot Wax Prolific, early harvest, delicious taste, thick walls.
- Roulette 2018 Habanero A “no-heat” habanero that kept the citrusy flavor without the burn.
- Wildcat 2023 Cayenne Large fruits, high yielding, great smoky flavor, mild pungency.
The “Flavor-First” Philosophy
What set Berke apart was his focus on the culinary experience. He was a pioneer in breeding peppers like ‘Roulette,’ which allowed people with lower heat tolerances to experience the floral, fruity notes of a habanero without the Scoville-induced pain.
National Garden Bureau, All-America Selections, their breeders, judges, board of directors, and the companies they represent, extend their heartfelt congratulations to Terry Berke. His tireless efforts and innovative spirit have had a lasting impact on the world of horticulture.
For more information about National Garden Bureau or All-America Selections, contact Diane Blazek.
All-America Selections, founded in 1932, continues as the oldest independent plant testing organization in North America. Every year, never-before-sold varieties are trialed in our Trial Grounds where professional horticulturists determine which varieties will be winners based on their garden performance. AAS relies upon a public relations program to inform gardeners about AAS Winners.
Founded in 1920, National Garden Bureau is a non-profit organization with a mission to disseminate basic instructions and inspiration for home gardeners. NGB publishes and sponsors “Year Of The” fact sheets annually featuring new introductions that are especially suited to home gardens.
