b'Plant Science ProdigiesFrom classrooms to cutting-edge labs, university students are driving breakthroughs in crop science, tackling agricultures biggest challenges, and shaping a more sustainable world.Marc Zienkiewicz with files from Aimee NielsonUNIVERSITY PLANT BREEDINGprogramsRoot Rot Revolutionaryare the epicentre of seed innovation and education. Universities are homeStephen Awodele, 36to cutting-edge facilities and academicUniversity of Saskatchewanprograms dedicated to plant science, highlighting the pivotal role seedsStephen combines a blend of academic and crops play in driving global foodexcellence, research innovation, security, sparking crop breakthroughs,and community leadership to do and championing sustainability. his noteworthy work in improving These programs arent justpulses. Currently pursuing his PhD classroomstheyre launchpadsin plant sciences at the University of for innovation. They equip the nextSaskatchewan, Stephen has already wave of changemakers to tackle themade signifi cant strides in tackling one biggest agricultural challenges of ourof the pulse industrys most pressing time: from combating climate changechallenges: root rot resistance in peas. to overcoming pest resistance andHis pioneering research on Fusarium boosting crop yields.avenaceum root rot has led to the Collaboration is key, and universitiesdevelopment of reliable methods for partner with industry leaders,evaluating germplasm resistance, with government agencies, and internationalhis work published in Legume Science.organizations to ensure their researchStephens academic prowess spans stays ahead of the curve and makes aadvanced plant breeding, bioinformatics, real-world impact. and plant pathology, complementing Canadas leadership in planthis strong commitment to practical science shines through the diversesolutions. As a professional agrologist, and trailblazing work happeninghe has demonstrated leadership in both in these programs. From pulses tohis academic pursuits and community cereals to oilseeds to cannabis (withinvolvement, serving on the Plant potato thrown in for good measure),Sciences Graduate Student Association. With several awards under his belt and the students featured here aremultiple publications in the works, Stephen is poised to make lasting contributions to pushing boundaries and shaping theCanadian plant breeding.future of Canadian agricultureone breakthrough at a time.10 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA MARCH 2025'