Blog Archives - Manitoba Crop Alliance

Malcolm Morrison, crop physiologist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Coles Ag on December 9, 2024

Malcolm Morrison is a crop physiologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Ottawa Research and Development Centre. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Macdonald College (part of McGill University), a master’s in plant breeding from the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD in canola physiology from the University of Manitoba (U of M). His career has focused on finding traits for resistance to abiotic stresses such as cold, heat and moisture stress.

Morrison lives in Ottawa, ON, with his wife and their Australian Shepard. Their two adult children live nearby and visit weekly.

Where did you work before AAFC?

Before joining AAFC, I had different summer jobs, including working in southern Ontario for King Grain. After completing my master’s, I applied for a position with AAFC and was hired as a biologist. I did a PhD at U of M in canola physiology with Peter McVetty and began working as a research scientist in Ottawa in 1988.

What got you interested in this area of work?

I have always been interested in how crops grow, become efficient and handle stress – factors that affect the transition from one seed to many. In my first-year botany class, the professor described a seed as “a baby plant carrying its lunch,” and that idea stuck with me.

My work has been focused on increasing the number of “baby plants” and analyzing or improving their “lunch,” whether oil, protein or nutritional and antinutritional compounds. We studied soybean protein across Western Canada, for example, examining how efficiently crops take up nitrogen and store it in their seeds. Understanding and improving the way a crop collects, utilizes and stores things such as solar radiation, moisture and nutrients has been a major focus throughout my career.

Tell us a bit about what you’re working on at AAFC.

Currently, I work with two great technicians, Claire and Tom, and we start each day with a brief meeting to plan out the day or week. I work on emails and focus on reports and analyzing data from projects. We have experiments on the go year-round at various stages from start to finish, either in fields or growth cabinets.

One example is the “Getting the jump on spring corn growth” project, funded partially by Manitoba Crop Alliance. This project began in 2023 and builds on years of work we’ve done since 2014 on improving early growth cold tolerance in corn. There are three main objectives of this research: to validate our previous results with a new set of hybrids, to broaden our understanding of plant performance beyond initial emergence and to conduct field tests in Manitoba and Ontario to determine whether early germination leads to faster seedling and plant growth.

Initial findings demonstrate a connection between faster emergence and enhanced root development in colder temperatures. Some hybrid corn lines emerged up to five days earlier than the checks, with improved root growth at lower temperatures, too. In warm temperatures, differences between hybrids disappeared. Initial field trials in Ottawa in 2024 indicate that hybrids seeded early on May 6 reached maturity by Sept. 18.

What can you say about the value of farmers providing funding and support to your work?

I’m a big proponent of check-off funds going towards research objectives established by farmers. These funds enable researchers to address specific challenges identified by grower organizations. Farmer-driven priorities ensure our research solves real-world problems.

How does farmer funding and support directly benefit farmers?

I hope farmers use our research findings to spark questions or give them the information they need to make decisions on their operations. Our soybean research in moisture stress has led to at least six registered varieties over the past 10 years, and corn inbred lines with improved cold tolerance are on the horizon. This is how our work is getting into the hands of farmers.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I enjoy building things in my workshop, and I’m a moderately OK woodworker. I have kept tropical fish for most of my life, knit toques (which I make everybody wear), and stay active with our dog. I also enjoy riding my bike to work.

What is the best part of your job?

My job has two key aspects. First, the concrete science: selecting for better cold tolerance in soybean and corn, as well as looking at moisture stress tolerance in soybean, to help plant breeders and farmers. Then there is the abstract side, where I explore how plants grow and how environmental factors influence crop development.

A fun experiment we do is the 50 Years of Soybeans, which I’ve been a part of since 1992. It involves growing a collection of soybean varieties – two per decade, starting as far back as the 1930s – to study how plant breeding has improved yields (genetic gain) and how it was accomplished. For example, we discovered that breeders have developed varieties with smaller leaf area, but that leaf area was more efficient with improved photosynthesis per area and better water-use efficiency.

This ongoing experiment, which I grow every year with all the inputs and methods being held constant, is now nearly 30 years old. This allows us to study the impact changes in the environment on crop yield. For example, when we started the experiment in 1992 the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was ~360 ppm and today it is over 415 ppm.

What gets you most excited about your work?

I am a frustrated engineer at heart. What gets me excited is making a new instrument or tools for fieldwork and seeing them in action. For example, working with one of our mechanical technologists we built a drip tape application device that hooks behind my seeder, so we could seed and put the drip tape into the ground at the same time. When it left trenches in the soil, we developed a device to cover up the trenches and roll the soil. I really enjoy turning ideas into functional tools with our workshop team.

Over my career I have had over 120 students, some of whom have gone on to careers in science – that is rewarding.

I have spent a year (spread out over three visits) living and working in Australia, which was a childhood dream of mine ever since watching Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. Australia is a hot and dry Canada – the people enjoyable and the scenery ancient, vast and spectacular.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

My father, who inspired me, said, “Listen to everyone. Don’t get so wed to one idea that you can’t be convinced that you’re wrong and somebody else is right.” Taking input from everybody allows you to develop a more rounded approach to your research and your life.

Phantom Yield Loss

Morgan Cott on December 4, 2024

Phantom Yield Loss – A phenomenon related to yield loss with little to no explanation why, aside from letting the grain dry naturally, prior to harvest.

Farmers who have to pause harvest, after opening a field, do record decreased yields when they return to continue combining. A few things come to mind when considering what the losses are a result of. Could it be ear drop? Or lodging is a common occurrence, the longer the crop stands in the field and is exposed to wildlife, snow, or wind. Another consideration is that as the grain dries in the field, it does loosen from the cob and can fall to the ground when disturbed. Low moisture grain is also susceptible to cracking or breakage at harvest, resulting in losses.

Speaking to Manitoba farmers, it appears that phantom yield loss is caused by none of the above. All the obvious culprits (ear drop, lodging, kernel shattering) can be accounted for and there are yield penalties beyond these factors, still.

Purdue University performed research on this topic in the early 90’s – before the phenomenon even had a name. The project looked at three hybrids over the course of four years and measured kernel dry weight until physiological maturity and again after maturity until they were ready for harvest. The study found that kernel dry weight increased until reaching physiological maturity, which occurred at about 25% moisture for all three hybrids. Following maturity, during the dry down period, kernel dry weight decreased by an average of 1.1% for every one per cent decrease in grain moisture content. This is an average across three hybrids in the four years of study. There was one year where none of the hybrids experienced any significant changes in kernel dry weight. The “bottom line” of the project is that there is a potential average 1% yield loss per point decrease in grain moisture content. That is to say that if a field is left to naturally dry down 5 moisture points following physiological maturity, there is a potential +/- 5% yield loss.

So, how does this occur and why? We now know that this is part of the drying process, but why is so much dry matter being lost as the grain dries a small amount?

Quite simply, physiological maturity occurs and each kernel develops a “black layer” where it connects to the cob and had gained access to nutrients and water throughout the season. Once black layer is achieved, grain continues to use up the starch and sugar reserves, which decreases kernel dry weight and quality. Grain is typically alive following black layer until it has dried down to around 15% moisture, so it is not surprising that this process results in loss of dry matter.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict losses as a result of this phenomenon. Factors affecting losses include harvest timing, soil type, hybrid/genetics, and of course, environmental factors. That being said, it is difficult to predict what genetics are most susceptible to respiration losses following black layer, so that isn’t something that would normally factor into hybrid choices. Earlier harvest timing is the best way to avoid significant losses, in this case. As mentioned, losses are impossible to predict, but measuring drying costs against the alternate potential yield loss is key in finding the best management practice for your farm.

Curtis Cavers, agronomist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Coles Ag on November 26, 2024

Born and raised in southern Manitoba, Curtis Cavers is an agronomist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) based in Portage la Prairie. He earned his bachelor of science in agriculture, majoring in soil science, and later completed his master’s degree at the University of Manitoba (U of M). Curtis lives on an acreage near Elm Creek with his wife’s family.

Where did you work before AAFC?

I started working with AAFC in 2007. Before that, I worked for Manitoba Agriculture for just over 10 years and have been a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) for many years. It is a great program to be part of, providing ongoing training and practical knowledge sharing for industry agronomists and participants.

What got you interested in this area of work?

Who might be a better question! One person in particular, Dr. Tee Boon Goh, sparked my interest. I met him in my intro to soils class, and he was just a ball of energy. If you ask anyone else in agriculture about Dr. Goh, they’ll say the same thing. He is an enthusiastic, fantastic lecturer and the reason that I switched majors to soil science. Afterward, I met many other great people in the soil science department at the U of M, many of whom I still connect with today.

Tell us a bit about what you’re working on at AAFC.

I focus mainly on soil science from an agronomic perspective. In the past, we’ve had projects on tillage and pertaining to soil compaction, salinity and, more recently, soil erosion. These are the three areas we are investigating in terms of soil health research.

One project, Genetic selection-assessment of genetic resilience and excess moisture from a subset of MCVET crop varieties, was part of the extremes of moisture initiative and was conducted from 2019-22. This initiative came together in 2016 after a prolonged wet spell, when farmers were having issues dealing with excess moisture.

Several projects came out of that, including this one, where we tested various crop varieties for differences in tolerance to either excess moisture or drought-like conditions. We wanted to push these limits without breaking the system, stressing crops beyond normal expectations.

The takeaway was that resilience to extreme moisture wasn’t as variable as we expected. Most high-yielding crop varieties maintained their performance under both average and extreme conditions. For example, if variety X has consistently performed well in variety trials, it’s likely to perform best in times of both excess moisture and drought.

This work led to our current research looking at variable landscapes and extremes of moisture. Eroded hilltops are often dry, while lower areas like wetlands or potholes are persistently wet. As we get into precision farming or managing on a landscape basis, we are examining how farmers can manage this variability to increase their productivity and efficiency. I am focusing on these landscape extremes to see if adjustments can make them more productive or, at the very least, more consistent over time.

What can you say about the value of farmers providing funding and support to your organization?

Farmers know what challenges they are facing every day on the farm. It is encouraging to work with farmers who are curious, inquisitive and open-minded to new ideas and asking questions. Sketching out back-of-the-envelope ideas together is exciting. Farmers bring invaluable insights to the table that, combined with our research, can create powerful solutions.

I think of it as a roundtable – everyone shares what they see, which gives us a fuller picture. Working with farmers to tackle practical issues and potentially find solutions is what makes this work so rewarding, even if it’s not always simple or quick.

How does that farmer funding and support directly benefit farmers?

It helps direct us to the issues that are most pressing for farmers. If farmers identify specific areas of focus, that helps us prioritize research where it is needed most. I always make sure to ask, “Is this something that would benefit farmers?” and then check if it resonates with them.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I’m doing extra studies right now, so I don’t have a lot of free time. There’s always work to do on the acreage, which keeps our family busy.

What’s the best part about your job?

Working with farmers and producer groups. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Manitoba Crop Alliance and others over the last few years. It’s rewarding to brainstorm ideas that have a clear purpose and a real potential to benefit farmers. Identifying problems and working on solutions for farmers is the meat and potatoes of what we do, and that is what I am here for.

How do you celebrate agriculture?

I try to share positive aspects of agriculture any chance I get, by participating in events, supporting Agriculture in the Classroom and sharing information about the CCA program. These activities not only celebrate agriculture but also offer training opportunities to learn about other aspects of agriculture. They are great ways to both share knowledge and learn.

What is a good piece of advice that has stuck with you?

A former boss once said, “Go do your job, Curtis. It’s like driving a car – just put your foot to the floor and go. I’ve got your back.” That supportive management style has meant a lot to me. Dr. Scott Wright, that was good advice!

Learnings from the sixth International Symposium on Fusarium Head Blight

Coles Ag on November 8, 2024

Last month, Canada hosted researchers, industry stakeholders and commodity organizations from across the world for the sixth International Symposium on Fusarium Head Blight (FHB). This conference showcased the latest research from around the world, illustrated the progress made over the last decade in understanding and combating FHB, and highlighted the challenges we still face.

There were four main takeaways from the conference:

Breeding works
Researchers have come a long way in understanding the disease
Canada is a leader in FHB research and training the next generation of FHB scientists
MCA-funded research has a direct impact on combating FHB

Understanding the disease

Fusarium is a complex fungus that can survive on multiple plant species and plant parts. Understanding the species population, mechanism of plant infection, disease spread and plant response is crucial to combating FHB. Conference presentations and posters provided new insights, such as the role of mycotoxin (e.g., deoxynivalenol) in the Fusarium head blight infection, understanding the effectors critical for FHB infection and unraveling plant-microbe interactions. MCA-funded researcher Matthew Bakker was one of the researchers that presented his work in this space.

Matthew Bakker presenting his research at the sixth International Symposium on Fusarium Head Blight.

Breeding and food safety

Canada has an impressive and long-standing expertise in cereal breeding and food safety. This was on full display at the conference, with presentations from breeders, including Curtis Pozniak from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and Richard Cuthbert from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The moral of the story is that breeding works. Newly released spring wheat and durum varieties have improved FHB resistance ratings, which is important for an integrated disease management plan. MCA is a core-breeding funder and provides resources for this important work to get elite wheat (e.g., AAC Brandon) and barley varieties that carry great agronomic traits along with strong disease-resistance packages into farmers’ hands.

A presentation by Sean Walkowiak also demonstrated the robustness of Canada’s grain handling and monitoring system. Walkowiak presented on the Canadian Grain Commission’s Harvest Sample Program results from past years, showing the extent of FHB impact across the Canadian Prairies, but also highlighted the effectiveness of the safety system in Canada, where everyone works together to deliver safe, healthy cereal ingredients to consumers. Canadian grain safety programs achieved technical equivalence against the Global Food Safety Initiative benchmarking requirements in September 2022.

Training the next generation

The skill among the next generation of FHB researchers in Canada was on display at the conference, with many posters and talks presented by graduate students and early career researchers. Specifically, many of these researchers and students are from Western Canada, which puts Canada in a great position to continue to be a global leader in FHB research. MCA is a key part of ensuring that strong and impactful FHB research continues in Canada by providing funding to important projects and sponsoring the student awards at this conference. MCA specifically chose this sponsorship, as we believe in training and investing in the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry.

Examples of project posters that have received MCA funding.

Final thoughts

FHB is one of the most devastating cereal diseases in the world. Financial losses to farmers in epidemic years can be extensive in Western Canada through yield loss and quality downgrading. In the last epidemic year (2016), there was an estimated $1 billion lost because of FHB infections. We have come a long way with stronger resistance built into available varieties, fungicides that can suppress the disease and a better understanding of agronomic approaches for the integration of these tools. However, we continue to experience challenges, including increased incidence during the 2024 growing season. Continued investment in FHB research is paramount to understand the disease and find innovative breeding and management solutions to reduce its impact on farmers.

Holcus Spot

Morgan Cott on November 8, 2024

What is holcus spot?

Holcus spot on corn leaf

A bacterial leaf disease affecting mainly corn crops, though it can overwinter in both monocot and dicot species. Holcus spot begins as a water-soaked spot on lower leaves and develops into small (1/4 to 1/8 “ in diameter), circular to elliptical, white to tan lesions. Lesions commonly develop a brown margin and sometimes a light halo is visible around the lesions. In severe infections, holcus spot can cause significant lesions on plant leaves, though it is more common to have minor spotting, covering less than 20% of a single leaf’s surface.

Conditions for Development

Holcus infections follow typical Manitoba spring conditions. This includes high winds and heavy rains, followed by extended moisture and warm summer temperatures (24C – 30C). The bacteria is interesting because it infects the leaf via wounding, but it doesn’t need a wound for development. The pathogen also does not spread from an infected leaf to a healthy leaf, as in many other leaf diseases.

Disease Management

The holcus spot pathogen lives and overwinters on crop residues. Best management practices to gain control of the pathogen are crop rotation and tillage. As a bacterial pathogen, fungicides will have no effect on the disease.

Fortunately, holcus spot affects a very small area of each infected leaf and photosynthesis of the green leaf material is still very effective. This is a concern in more disruptive leaf diseases or killing frosts that affect large areas of each leaf and photosynthesis is allocated to a small area or none at all. As a result of the small area affected, yield is not penalized and holcus spot is more of an aesthetic disease than a concern for farmers.

Don’t get confused…

Holcus spot infections are relatively uncommon. It is easy to see them and be unsure of what it means because lesions are most often minute and don’t draw attention.

In the rare occasion that the disease does grab attention, lesions can be confused with drift of a contact herbicide, like diquat (image below), or fertilizer burn. Key tips to determine if it could be fertilizer injury would be to ask the farmer or applicator if anything was applied recently or in the sprayer tank. If there is a possibility of herbicide drift, there will be a clear pattern in the area that would have gotten “hit”. The lesions would likely be worst along the outer rows and lessen the further into the field you look. Early in the season, injury would not grow with the plant and new leaves would be injury-free.

Diquat drift on corn leaf

Jeff Schoenau, professor, University of Saskatchewan

Coles Ag on November 6, 2024

WEB_Schoenau-head-and-shoulders-field-pic---Credit-Lynne-Schoenau

Jeff Schoenau is a professor of soil science and the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program Chair in Soil Nutrient Management at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). He earned his bachelor of science in agriculture at the U of S, where he also completed his PhD in soil science in 1988. In addition to his work at the university, Schoenau and his wife Lynn own and operate a grain farm near Central Butte, SK.

The grain farm has provided him with extensive practical experience. Over the years, it has served as a valuable research site for many of his students and colleagues, supporting field research and providing soil samples for various experiments. He has brought graduate students to the farm to demonstrate soil conservation management techniques and facilitates hands-on learning by having students collect soil samples to study organic matter content and its changes across different land management practices.

Where did you work before the U of S?

I have been with the U of S for a long time. I stared as an undergraduate student in 1980, followed by graduate studies, and have been employed here since 1989. My role has been a mix of teaching, research and extension.

What got you interested in this area of work?

Our family farm in Central Butte has been in operation since it was homesteaded. I live in the original Eaton house built in 1913, where four generations of my family have lived. My wife Lynn and I continue to run the farm, and our two children Michael and Brianna live in Saskatoon. The farm is 1,600 acres, and without any hired help it keeps my wife and I very busy.

Tell us a bit about what you are working on at the university.

I manage around 25 research projects at any given time, handling aspects from proposals to implementation, reports and extension work through webinars, podcasts and presentations. I have a great research team. I lead a team of eight technicians and associates, plus eight graduate students, and sit on a number of advisory committees.

In addition to research, I teach an undergraduate course on soil fertility and fertilizers, supervise fourth-year thesis projects, and contribute to graduate-level courses on field research and soil analytical techniques. My days are spent balancing these responsibilities across teaching, research and student mentorship.

One of my current projects, supported by Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), focuses on straw harvesting strategies to provide feedstock while maintaining soil and environmental quality. We are looking at the impacts of removing straw, which has growing demand from livestock producers and other industries.

The main site for this research is on my farm, where we are looking at precision straw harvesting. We want to understand how straw harvesting affects soil properties and productivity across different landscape positions, particularly comparing upslope regions with low slopes.

We are collaborating with farmers across Saskatchewan, examining the long-term effects of straw removal on soil fertility, organic matter, moisture and temperature, while also conducting an economic analysis. This fall, we completed our first harvest as part of this project, and we are already uncovering some interesting findings. Our research is designed to help growers make informed decisions about sustainable straw management.

What can you say about the value of farmers providing funding and support to your organization?

The support from farmers is incredibly valuable to my research. Organizations like MCA have provided crucial funding. This farmer-driven support is often matched by provincial funds from Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund, as well as contributions from industry partners and the government. Federal funding and the cluster program have also been essential in diversifying my research.

These partnerships not only provide financial backing but also offer opportunities to engage with farmers at conferences and field days where I can share my findings and learn from growers directly.

How does that farmer funding and support directly benefit farmers?

Farmer funding and support directly benefit growers by providing them with access to the latest knowledge and practices in nutrient management that are crucial for optimizing agronomic, economic and environmental outcomes. In today’s landscape, where environmental impacts are a significant concern, understanding the processes behind soil and nutrient management is essential. My research focuses not just on documenting impacts but on understanding the underlying mechanisms that can be applied across various regions.

Extension work is a passion of mine, inspired by my mentor, the late professor Les Henry, who taught me a lot about extension and the value of getting your message to growers.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work I spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors. I like being in the field, snowmobiling and hunting. I am also a bit of an automotive historian. I like old cars, trucks and tractors, and piddling around with machinery.

What is the best part about your job?

I really enjoy the opportunity to work with students, both undergraduate and graduate. Some students may spend two to five years working with me, and the constant influx of new students is truly rewarding. I take great pleasure in seeing them evolve and grow throughout their time in the program. Also, collaborating with growers, academics and industry professionals is always exciting.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

One of the best pieces of advice I received relates to extension work, and it was “Know your audience.” Think about your audience, if it is a group of farmers, researchers or the public – what would they be interested in? What do they really want to know? That really resonated with me.

Call for Tender: Group 2 Herbicide-Resistant Confection Sunflower Hybrid

Coles Ag on October 15, 2024

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is pleased to invite tenders for exclusive rights, in Canada, to production, marketing and distribution of the Group 2 herbicide-resistant confection sunflower (MCA 359239 and MCA 359306*) produced from the only farmer-funded hybrid confection sunflower breeding program in Canada.

The tender application form, which must be submitted separately for each hybrid of interest, can be downloaded here:

Application form

MCA 359239 and MCA 359306 have been registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

*NOTE: MCA 359239 was previously called EX 359239 and MCA 359306 was previously called EX 200306/EX 20306.

MCA reserves the right to reject any or all tenders and to negotiate the terms of agreement with any proponent.

For more information, or requests for samples of the above lines, please contact Katherine Stanley, Research Program Manager – Special Crops with MCA, at 204-898-4122 or katherine@mbcropalliance.ca.

Please forward tender submissions to katherine@mbcropalliance.ca by 4:30 p.m. CST on Nov. 15, 2024.

Delegate position available on MCA sunflower committee – apply today!

Coles Ag on October 8, 2024

Sunflower growers:

Want to help build a strong future for the Manitoba sunflower industry?
Want to contribute your experience and passion for the agriculture industry to a worthy cause?
Want to meet likeminded people and have new experiences?

We need you!

Manitoba Crop Alliance is looking to fill one delegate position on its sunflower committee, starting immediately.

Roles & responsibilities of committee delegates

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to apply, candidates must:

Be 18 years or age or older
Have grown and marketed sunflower in Manitoba
Have paid check-off fees to the organization in the previous fiscal year (i.e., have not received a refund)

Apply now

Please note, the deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. CST on Nov. 8, 2024.

Completed forms can be submitted electronically or by mail/fax.

Email:
pam@mbcropalliance.ca

Mail:
Manitoba Crop Alliance
Box 188
Carman, MB R0G 0J0

Fax:
204-745-6122

For questions, please contact:

Pam de Rocquigny
pam@mbcropalliance.ca
204-750-0217

Sign up now for our 2024 Corn Yield Competition

Coles Ag on October 1, 2024

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is looking for participants for the 2024 Corn Yield Competition!

All entrants must be farmer members of MCA.

Prizes will be awarded as follows at the CropConnect Conference banquet, which will be held on Feb. 12, 2025:

1^st Prize – $1,000 and a wall plaque (sponsored by the company with the winning hybrid)
2^nd Prize – $500 and a wall plaque
3^rd Prize – $300 and a wall plaque
4^th and 5^th Prize – Receive a wall plaque

Instructions for entering the yield competition

Please review the instructions and keep them in mind as you are scouting for the very best spot in your field. Even if you don’t have your spot(s) picked out, you can still enter early!

For more information or to enter, please contact:

Morgan Cott
Agronomy Extension Specialist – Special Crops
Manitoba Crop Alliance
204-750-2489
morgan@mbcropalliance.ca

Colin Hiebert, research scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Coles Ag on September 24, 2024

Colin Hiebert is a research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Morden Research and Development Centre (RDC). He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Winnipeg, before continuing his graduate studies in plant genetics, focusing on wheat during his PhD. He now lives in Winkler, MB, with his wife and their two sons.

Where did you work before joining AAFC?

Before starting graduate school, I worked in both the public and private sectors of agriculture. After finishing my PhD, I was a postdoctoral researcher at AAFC’s Cereal Research Centre in Winnipeg (now closed) for a year before I was hired as a research scientist there. Subsequently, my program was moved to Morden.

What got you interested in this area of work?

I have always enjoyed the field of genetics, and wheat is scientifically fascinating. It is also a Prairie icon, so working on wheat connects me to western Canadian culture and the economy. Wheat is also a global crop, allowing me to interact with and impact research and agriculture internationally. The convergence of all these different factors drew me to working on wheat.

Tell us a bit about what you are working on at AAFC.

I lead a wheat genetics program, covering everything from fundamental genetics (classical genetics) to modern genomics tools. We cover quite the continuum of research, which was reflected in the previous cluster (2018-23) and in the current cluster (2023-28).

In the “Pre-breeding and development of breeding tools to diversify disease resistance in bread wheat” 20218-23 project, we focused on introducing combinations of disease resistance genes into elite genetic backgrounds that breeders can use in their programs. One challenge is when we have new or underutilized disease resistance genes, they are often in backgrounds that are not suitable for production in Western Canada. The pre-breeding work addressed this challenge.

Another challenge is that it is difficult to select resistance genes by a visual assessment, so we use DNA markers, or marker-assisted selection, to make the process more efficient and accurate. We discovered new DNA markers that made gene selection more efficient both for our projects and for breeder selection.

A positive outcome from this project was discovering a new stem rust resistance gene, Sr67, which is effective against strains of stem rust fungus including the Ug99 races discovered in Africa. There was previously a lot of research activities that went into mitigating the risk of those races. This work is still ongoing to mitigate the threats that exotic strains pose to Canadian producers.

At Morden, we have a biocontainment facility where we can evaluate plants in our genetic studies or in breeding programs against these exotic races to mitigate the risk of them coming to Canada. Sr67 is effective against present strains and can provide resistance against races that could pose a threat. The discovery was recently published here.

We have included the Sr67 gene in the current cluster project to ensure early adoption of this new gene. This is an exciting extension from the previous round of funding.

What can you say about the value of farmers providing funding and support to your organization?

All my collaborators here and at the other AAFC research centres and I are very grateful to farmers for their funding. In these types of projects, we are trying to directly address their more immediate needs. This funding allows us to translate some of our more upstream work into something that can find its way into a farmer’s field. We want our research to make a difference to producers.

How does that funding and support directly benefit farmers?

My research program focuses largely on disease resistance genes. By working closely with pathologists and breeders, we hope to create more sustainable disease resistance, which could lower input costs for farmers and protect yield potential. There are still issues that require chemical inputs, for example, but if we can get resistance to a point where the efficacy of the chemicals is better because the degree of disease protection required is not as high, that will help farmers.

I hope farmers feel welcomed and comfortable reaching out to scientists. Their insights and concerns help shape the direction of our research.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I coach my kids’ hockey teams, and we enjoy a lot of outdoor activities like hiking, backpacking and hunting.

What is the best part of your job?

There are many aspects I enjoy. I get to tackle interesting scientific questions that impact an important sector in the Canadian economy and for Western Canada. I also get to interact with the international research community and meet people from around the world working on similar challenging research questions. I also have opportunities to interact with farmers, as I live and work in a rural community at a rural research centre. These conversations offer insights into how our research impacts their operations and livelihoods.

How do you celebrate agriculture?

My wife has done a restart on her family’s farm, and I have been able to participate in that. This was the second year of the farm’s restart, and it has been both enjoyable and a great way for us to celebrate agriculture.