b'Breaking the Cannabis Code Crushing the Clubroot ThreatMehdi Babaei, 34 Muhammad Asim Javed, 28Laval University Laval UniversityMehdi Babaei is changing the game in cannabis breeding byMuhammad Asim Javed is transforming how we fight clubroot tapping into the hidden potential of its genetics. As a PhDdisease in canola. As a PhD researcher at Universit Laval, hes candidate, hes already published 14 research papers in top-tierdiving deep into the genomics of the clubroot pathogen, uncov-journals, an impressive achievement for someone early in theirering its genetic secrets to outsmart resistance-breaking isolates. career. His latest work delves into the genetic diversity of can- His work is paving the way for more resilient canola crops.nabis landraces, shedding light on how these varieties can beWhat distinguishes Muhammad is his ability to blend key to breeding stronger, more resilient plants. cutting-edge science with global experience. From earning What truly sets Mehdi apart is his commitment toa University Gold Medal in Pakistan to specialized training preserving genetic diversity while exploring new possibilities inin Trkiye and China, hes always pushed boundaries. His cannabis breeding. His research isnt just advancing cannabisgenome assembly of the clubroot pathogen is now a reference scienceits shaping thegenome recognized by future of crop improvement.the National Center for With his innovativeBiotechnology Information.approach, Mehdi is well onBut Muhammad isnt his way to making a lastingjust a scientisthes a impact on both the cannabisstoryteller. His award-industry and the broaderwinning presentations at top field of plant breeding. Canadian conferences prove he can share complex ideas in ways that inspire others to act.Soybean AI Meets Science Pioneer AgricultureKatherine Fortune, 26 Riley McConachie, 24University of Guelph University of GuelphKatherine Fortune is cracking the genetic code of soybeansRiley McConachie is rewriting to transform how we breed and grow this essential crop. As athe rulebook for plant breeding PhD candidate at the University of Guelph, she s integratingand agronomy, transforming genomics and UAV-based phenotyping to dissect the biologi- cutting-edge research into cal mechanisms and complex genetic networks underlyingreal-world solutions that are yield, agronomic performance, and seed quality traits in thereshaping agriculture. As a SoyMAGIC population. MAGIC (Multi-parent Advancedgraduate student at the University of Guelph, his remarkable Generation Inter-Cross) is a breeding design developed toachievementsfrom top academic honours to important enhance genetic diversity and improve the study of complexpublicationshave already set him apart as a leader in his field.traits in soybeans. By bridging advanced phenotyping toolsThis past summer, Riley took his impact even further by with genetic insights, Katherine aims to accelerate the develop- leading the development of a mobile app that measures wheat ment of resilient, high-yielding soybean cultivars for the future. head density and evaluates fusarium head blight severitya Her passion for discovery has already gained recognition.major tool thats setting new standards for disease scouting. But During her MSc, she conducted a genetic analysis of an exoticRiley isnt just advancing his own workhes mentoring peers Canadian-adapted mapping population to identify beneficialto create next-gen digital tools and collaborating with wheat exotic alleles for yield improvement. Her research earned thirdyield enhancement network personnel to drive smarter, more place in the 2023 National Association for Plant Breedingsustainable crop management.(NAPB) conference poster competition. With his work featured on CTV and in other media, Riley Beyond the lab, she volunteers at Ignatius Organic Farm,is showing the world how AI and precision agriculture can contributing to local food production and gaining hands-ontransform farming into a more efficient and sustainable practice farming experience. for the future.12 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA MARCH 2025'