Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series on major contributions to plant breeding and science in Canada’s public sector including innovations in: Canola, Barley, Oat, and Triticale, Wheat, Sunflower, Pulses, Oilseeds, Horticultural Crops, and comments from our editorial board.
We asked the members of our editorial board to tell us which of these public sector research programs they liked. Here’s what they had to say.
Sarah Foster, President, 20/20 Seed Labs
Tyler Wist’s Midge Tolerant Wheat Research at AAFC Saskatoon: “Wheat on the Prairies is our fundamental food source both locally and globally. Safeguarding the Sm1 gene is a huge step in avoiding unintended consequences down the road.”
Ron DePauw, Science Advisor, SeCan
Ana Badea’s barley breeding program at AAFC Brandon: “Ongoing delivery of malt, feed and food varieties. Pursuit of new traits such as tolerance to water logging and endophytes. Much involved in new breeding technologies and genomics of barley. Significant market share. I like this one!”
Jeffrey Bertholet, Plant Sciences Industry Liason Officer, Crop Development Centre
Yuefeng Ruan’s research in ergot resistant durum at AAFC Swift Current: “This is a significant advancement that will help farmers with sustainable and more profitable production.”
Rale Gjuric, Independent Plant Breeding Advisor
Ana Badea’s barley breeding program at AAFC Brandon: “I like it because of its market impact and embracing new technology considering its limited resources. Punching way above its weight would best describe the program.”
Jennifer Seward, Executive Manager, Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association
Brian Beres’ agronomy program at AAFC Lethbridge: “Dr. Beres has been at the forefront of agronomic best management practices for Canadian producers. His work pushes the envelope for what seed can do and provides valuable insight for producers in often unstable climatic environments.”
Ellen Sparry, General Manager, C&M Seeds
Weikai Yan’s oat breeding work at AAFC Ottawa: “Weikai is highly respected amongst his peers for his work and understanding of GxE interactions and mega-environments. This understanding has led to the introduction of many successful and adapted oat varieties with excellent rust resistance to the benefit of farmers in Eastern Canada.”
Todd Hyra, Western Business Manager, SeCan
They’re all important! “For over 100 years, public plant science research has been the foundation of agriculture in Canada. Public programs provide agronomic research, training of future research leaders, as well as deliver varieties essential to Canadian producers. Not all crops provide adequate return (in fact, this is the case for the majority of acres) for private breeders to fully invest in Canada. Until this changes, Canadian agriculture will be reliant on public programs.”
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series on major contributions to plant breeding and science in Canada’s public sector including innovations in: Canola, Barley, Oat, and Triticale, Wheat, Sunflower, Pulses, Oilseeds, Horticultural Crops, and comments from our editorial board. Use the buttons below to explore these exciting new innovations or read from the start.
