b'(SNPs) linked to SCN resistance, potentially uncovering previ- OUR EDITORIAL BOARD WEIGHS INously unknown pathogen defense mechanisms. Horticultural Crops We asked the members of our editorial board to tell us which of Enhancing Seed Security these public sector research programs they liked. Heres what they University of British Columbia had to say.The Canadian Organic Vegetable Improvement (CANOVI)Sarah Foster, President, 20/20 Seed Labsproject addresses a critical issue: the reliance of CanadianTyler Wists Midge Tolerant Wheat Research at AAFC Saskatoon: organic vegetable growers onWheat on the Prairies is our fundamental food source both locally seeds bred for conventionaland globally. Safeguarding the Sm1 gene is a huge step in avoiding agricultural systems, whichunintended consequences down the road.often dont suit our countrysRon DePauw, Science Advisor, SeCanconditions. By collaboratingAna Badeas barley breeding program at AAFC Brandon: Ongoing with non-profits, CANOVIdelivery of malt, feed and food varieties. Pursuit of new traits such aims to enhance seed securityas tolerance to water logging and endophytes. Much involved in new by identifying and develop- breeding technologies and genomics of barley. Significant market ing vegetable varieties bettershare. I like this one!suited to the local environ- The project has producedJeffrey Bertholet, Plant Sciences Industry Liason Officer, Crop ment through participatoryCANOVI Orange, an open- Development Centreplant breeding.pollinated Nantes carrot varietyYuefeng Ruans research in ergot resistant durum at AAFC Swift This approach not onlytailored to local needs. Current: This is a significant advancement that will help farmers engages growers in trialing diverse varieties but also improveswith sustainable and more profitable production.their skills and awareness of available options. For instance, the project has produced CANOVI Orange, an open-pollinatedRale Gjuric, Independent Plant Breeding AdvisorNantes carrot variety tailored to local needs. Additionally,Ana Badeas barley breeding program at AAFC Brandon: I like CANOVI explores the genetic basis of environmental adapta- it because of its market impact and embracing new technology tion in carrots to develop varieties more resilient to changingconsidering its limited resources. Punching way above its weight climates. This work is crucial for enhancing the sustainabilitywould best describe the program.and resilience of Canadian organic vegetable production. Jennifer Seward, Executive Manager, Manitoba Seed Growers AssociationEnsuring the Sustainability of Tree Fruit Brian Beres agronomy program at AAFC Lethbridge: Dr. Beres has Summerland R&D Centre been at the forefront of agronomic best management practices for The Summerland Research and Development Centre (RDC)Canadian producers. His work pushes the envelope for what seed of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has played a pivotalcan do and provides valuable insight for producers in often unstable role in driving economic growth in the horticulture industry,climatic environments. particularly with its sweet cherry cultivars, which dominateEllen Sparry, General Manager, C&M Seedsglobally. However, breeding perennial fruit trees is inherentlyWeikai Yans oat breeding work at AAFC Ottawa: Weikai is highly time-consuming, requiring years for trees to mature and fruit,respected amongst his peers for his work and understanding of GxE compounded by the labour-intensive task of evaluating traitsinteractions and mega-environments. This understanding has led to across extensive germplasm.the introduction of many successful and adapted oat varieties with To address these challenges and enhance efficiency,excellent rust resistance to the benefit of farmers in Eastern Canada.Summerland RDCs tree fruit breeding program has embraced innovative strategies such as automated data management, 3DTodd Hyra, Western Business Manager, SeCanprinting, and AI for precise fruit phenotyping, significantlyTheyre all important! For over 100 years, public plant science expediting the evaluation process. This digital transformationresearch has been the foundation of agriculture in Canada. Public enables researchers to analyze the impact of weather patternsprograms provide agronomic research, training of future research on fruit quality and production, crucial for climate changeleaders, as well as deliver varieties essential to Canadian producers. research.Not all crops provide adequate return (in fact, this is the case for By leveraging novel technologies for phenotyping,the majority of acres) for private breeders to fully invest in Canada. Summerland RDC remains at the forefront of scientific innova- Until this changes, Canadian agriculture will be reliant on public tion in tree fruit breeding, facilitating the development of newprograms.cultivars and ensuring industry sustainability. JULY 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 11'