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At just 25, Anirup Sengupta is using genomics, AI, and predictive breeding tools to help plant breeders develop more resilient crops — without losing sight of the farmers those innovations are meant to serve. When Anirup Sengupta talks about plant breeding on this week’s episode of the Seed World Canada Podcast, he reaches for an analogy almost anyone can understand. “Without a reference genome,” he says, “breeding is a bit like trying to assemble a massive puzzle without seeing the picture on the box.” It’s a fitting description of the challenge he has chosen to tackle as a PhD student at the University of Saskatchewan, where he works with the Crop Development Centre and the Global Institute for Food Security. Originally from West Bengal, India, Sengupta is one of three recipients of the 2026 Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship, an award recognizing graduate students advancing the future of plant breeding and genetics. His research focuses on cicer milkvetch, a perennial forage legume valued for its nutritional quality and ability to reduce frothy bloat in grazing livestock. Despite those advantages, the crop has never reached its full potential because of poor germination, weak seedling establishment, and limited genomic resources. “My research is about providing plant breeders with a much more detailed roadmap to improve crops faster and more efficiently,” Sengupta says. The cornerstone of that roadmap is the crop’s first reference genome—a complete genetic blueprint that allows researchers to identify genes associated with traits such as seedling vigour, forage yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. But that’s only part of the picture. Sengupta is also analyzing the crop’s genetic diversity and applying genomic selection, an increasingly important tool that uses DNA markers and predictive models to identify promising breeding lines long before years of field testing are complete. “Instead of waiting several growing seasons,” he explains, “breeders can make decisions much earlier, save a lot of time and resources in the breeding program, and help accelerate genetic gains.” The Next Generation of Plant Breeding Traditional breeding remains the foundation of crop improvement, but today’s breeders have access to tools previous generations could scarcely imagine. For Sengupta, the future lies in combining—not replacing—those approaches. “The future of crop improvement would be to combine the strengths of traditional breeding, the breeders’ knowledge and expertise, with genomics, AI, and big data approaches,” he says. “It is not basically replacing the breeders. It is giving them much more precise tools to make faster and smarter decisions.” That philosophy reflects a broader transformation happening across agriculture, where advances in sequencing technology, computational biology, machine learning, and environmental data are making breeding increasingly predictive rather than purely observational. Curiosity Before Technology Despite publishing scientific papers, presenting internationally, and earning conference awards early in his career, Sengupta doesn’t attribute his success to technical ability alone. “I think one of the biggest factors that drives me is curiosity and consistency,” he says. “Research can be challenging because results don’t always work the way you want them to work, but having this curiosity kind of helps you stay motivated.” That curiosity extends well beyond the laboratory. Conferences, outreach, teaching, and leadership roles have all become essential parts of his development as a scientist. “A lot of growth happens outside the regular coursework or experiments,” he says. Yet he also offers a note of caution for young researchers eager to embrace every new technology. “As young researchers, we naturally get excited about new technologies,” Sengupta says. “But sometimes that can lead to a situation where we almost have a solution looking for a problem.” Instead, he believes the science should always begin with the biological question. “It’s better to start with the important biological or agricultural questions first,” he says. “Technology is a tool. It’s not the final objective of your work.” Bridging Biology and Data Modern plant scientists increasingly work at the intersection of field biology and computational science. For Sengupta, success depends on understanding both. “Agriculture is ultimately field-driven,” he says. “At the same time, genomics and computational biology are giving us incredibly powerful tools to understand plant traits at a much deeper level. We need both perspectives working hand in hand with each other.” That balance ensures that sophisticated genomic predictions remain grounded in real-world agricultural challenges rather than existing only on a computer screen. Science That Farmers Can Use Equally important is communication. “Research only creates impact when people understand and apply it,” Sengupta says. “As researchers, we often work with highly technical concepts, but ultimately our work affects farmers, industry, policymakers, students, and the public.” It’s why he has devoted time to teaching, graduate student leadership, mentoring, and outreach throughout his academic career. Explaining science clearly, he believes, makes both the research—and the researcher—better. Looking Ahead As sequencing becomes less expensive and computational tools become more accessible, Sengupta believes plant genomics is entering a new era. “We are entering a period where plant science is becoming far more precise, predictive, and connected than ever before,” he says. The implications extend well beyond any single crop. “Plant genomics will not solve everything on its own,” Sengupta says, “but I believe it will be one of the most important tools that helps agriculture adapt to the challenges that we are facing in the real world right now.” Looking ahead, he sees enormous promise in the convergence of genomics, artificial intelligence, and increasingly accessible sequencing technologies. “We are entering a period where plant science is becoming far more precise, predictive, and connected than ever before,” he says. “Advances in plant genomics are giving us the ability to understand crops at an incredibly detailed level—from individual genes all the way to how plants interact with changing environments.” Those advances, he believes, won’t simply produce better crops. They could reshape how agriculture responds to some of its biggest challenges, from climate change to global food security. “Plant genomics will not solve everything on its own,” Anirup says, “but I believe it will be one of the most important tools that helps agriculture adapt to the challenges we are facing in the real world right now.” The Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation Scholarship is made possible by Alberta Grains, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, FP Genetics, HyTech Production, Richardson, SaskWheat Development Commission, SeCan, Seeds Canada, Seed World Canada, and Warburtons. The post The Scholarship Winner Helping Rewrite the Future of Crop Genetics appeared first on Seed World.

A single-star evaluation helped save a breeding line that would go on to transform yellow pea production across Western Canada. Some crop varieties achieve instant success. Others succeed because someone gave them one more chance. That was the case for CDC Meadow, the yellow pea variety developed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) and named 2026 Seed of the Year. Released in 2006, CDC Meadow went on to become one of the most widely grown yellow pea varieties in Canadian history, helping drive the growth of Canada’s pulse industry for nearly two decades. According to breeder Dr. Tom Warkentin, the variety’s commercial uptake was remarkably fast. After seed multiplication, CDC Meadow became the most widely grown yellow pea variety in Western Canada by 2011. While it initially gained traction in Saskatchewan, Alberta eventually became its strongest market thanks in part to its slightly earlier maturity. The story of CDC Meadow began long before its release. The original cross was made in 1996 by Dr. Bert Vandenberg, years before Warkentin joined the CDC. From there, the breeding line moved through years of testing and selection, supported by researchers, technical staff, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and seed growers across the Prairies. But the variety nearly didn’t make it. Two years before entering cooperative trials, the breeding line — known then as 6538 — had a solid but unspectacular season. Warkentin’s evaluation gave it one star instead of two, enough to keep it moving forward. Had it received no stars, it likely would have been discarded. The following year, it rose to the top of the trial results. “It’s sort of okay, but not outstanding in that one particular year,” Warkentin recalled. “The next year it was right at the top of the pack.” Today, CDC Meadow is recognized not only for its commercial success but also for what it represents about plant breeding. While modern breeders now use tools such as DNA markers, near-infrared spectroscopy, and genomic selection, Warkentin says the fundamentals remain the same: making crosses, evaluating thousands of plots, and selecting the best material in the field. Looking ahead, one of the biggest priorities for pea breeding is improving resistance to root rot diseases, particularly Aphanomyces root rot. Warkentin says several promising lines are currently advancing through trials and could help improve resistance while maintaining the yield and quality growers expect. For young breeders hoping to develop the next breakthrough variety, his advice is straightforward: get out of the office and into the field. “Don’t miss a season. Don’t miss a crossing cycle. Just keep at it.” CDC Meadow’s recognition as the 2026 Seed of the Year is a fitting tribute to a variety that helped shape Canadian pea production. And perhaps the most remarkable part of its story is that it all hinged on a single decision—a breeding line that earned one star instead of none. Sometimes innovation only needs one more chance. The post How CDC Meadow Became One of Canada’s Most Successful Yellow Pea Varieties appeared first on Seed World.

The vice chair of the House agriculture committee says witness testimony made it clear: planned federal research facility closures would have lasting impacts on Canadian agriculture. The future of agricultural research in Canada is facing a critical moment — and a new report from the House of Commons agriculture committee is putting that debate squarely in the spotlight. On the latest episode of the Seed World Canada Podcast, Alberta MP and vice chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food John Barlow explains why committee members from all parties came together to recommend reversing planned closures of several Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities. According to Barlow, the committee’s recommendation was driven by overwhelming testimony from industry stakeholders, researchers, and witnesses who warned that shutting down these facilities could have lasting consequences for Canadian agriculture. Witnesses argued the closures would weaken innovation, reduce competitiveness, and even threaten food security. The concern, Barlow explains, was nearly unanimous among those who appeared before the committee. One of the biggest issues raised during hearings was the loss of long-term, location-specific research. Many of the facilities targeted for closure have been conducting work for decades in regions chosen for their unique soil types, climates, and agricultural conditions. Witnesses stressed that this kind of research cannot simply be moved elsewhere without losing valuable continuity and relevance. The committee also heard concerns about losing experienced scientists and the institutional knowledge built over generations. But the conversation goes beyond simply keeping buildings open. The committee also discussed how federal research dollars could be used more effectively, how innovation outcomes should be measured, and how research could better translate into commercial opportunities for Canadian agriculture. Barlow notes that stakeholders repeatedly emphasized the need for clearer benchmarks, stronger accountability, and better pathways for turning public research into market-ready innovation. Now, attention turns to the federal government’s response. Ottawa has 45 days to answer to the committee’s recommendations, and Barlow says he hopes the first step will be an immediate pause on the planned closures while the government reassesses its decision. The report, supported by members from all parties — sends what Barlow describes as a united message about the importance of preserving Canada’s agricultural research capacity. The post John Barlow on the Fight to Save Canada’s Ag Research Facilities appeared first on Seed World.

https://seedworld.com/cdn/wp-content/uploads/20240103141422/Register-Now-for-the-2022-Corteva-Ag-Sciences-Symposium.mp3 It’s that time of year again — time for the Corteva Agricultural Sciences Symposium at the University of Guelph. This year’s symposium takes place Nov. 16 at the University of Guelph, and is being held both virtually and in person. The theme this year is Agriculture to People: Agronomy, Sustainability, and Global Impact. Speakers will cover topics such as crop production, sustainability, and global impact in agriculture. This daylong hybrid symposium is completely free to attend. The event includes an in person poster session, and speakers from a variety of backgrounds. While the event is sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, it is completely organized by agriculture students at the University of Guelph. “We really wanted to look at big-picture issues this year,” says organizer Kristian Amadek, PhD candidate in genetics and breeding in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. Speakers include Dave Charn, research director at Corteva Agriscience; Yvonne Lawley, assistant professor, University of Manitoba; Dan Ramdath, senior research scientist, AAFC; Andy VanLooke, associate professor, Iowa State University; and Angela Kross, assistant professor, Concordia University. There will also be a talk from grad student Marco Pepe, who will shed some light on new research being done by University of Guelph plant science researchers on psychedelic mushrooms. The University of Guelph is one of the first Canadian universities to be granted a licence to cultivate mushrooms that produce psilocybin, which remains a controlled substance in Canada. Researchers hope to uncover other substances these mushrooms contain and whether they have any therapeutic value alone or in combination with psilocybin. To register for the event visit plant.uoguelph.ca/PS-Symposium. The post Register Now for the 2022 Corteva Ag Sciences Symposium appeared first on Seed World.

Chris Churko can be described as a lot of things: husband, father, son, fisherman, hobby farmer, introvert. We sat down with the new chief executive officer for FP Genetics to find out his secrets to climbing the corporate ladder and why sometimes you have to take something apart in order to make it stronger. The post Germination Eye on Business Podcast Series Ep 2: Living in the Grey appeared first on Seed World.

In our new Eye on Business podcast episode, Trevor Nysetvold and Holly Gelech of Alberta’s SGS BioVision offer insights on what the new year will bring in terms of seed health and how your business could benefit from testing seed in-storage. Hosted by Marc Zienkiewicz Seed analysts be thought of as diagnostic doctors, diagnosing the health of your most precious input. As a new year begins, the “physicians” at SGS BioVision are advising you bring your seed in for more than just its routine checkups. Best practises have been to test seed right off the combine at harvest, and then again in spring before seeding, says Trevor Nysetvold, director of Seed and Crop for SGS BioVision in Sherwood Park, Alta. But Nysetvold says that in the new year, interim testing is advised in order to monitor the quality of the product in storage. “After what much of that seed went through late last year, your seed health could deteriorate just sitting in the bin,” he says. Seed tests are a snapshot in time. In the course of his work, Nysetvold and his staff at SGS BioVision have given thousands of clients peace-of-mind in regard to the health of their seed. But seed testing is never as easy as just taking a sample and putting it through a testing procedure. Analysts — like doctors — consider other factors, like what the harvest season was like, storage conditions, and what could be in store this coming seeding season and whether or not those seeds tested are healthy enough to handle what Mother Nature may deliver. “There can be predictive value in getting that seed tested during storage. It’s important that clients work with a reputable lab because in a lot of cases there may be some interpretation required to fully understand what those test results mean and what they don’t mean.” That’s where SGS BioVision’s unique expertise comes in. As an International Seed Testing Association-accredited lab, SGS BioVision is now capable of issuing Canadian seed organizations ISTA Orange International Certificates (OIC) or Blue International Certificates (BIC) based on the requirements of the importing country. But the ISTA accreditation, combined with SGS’s global presence, means more than just delivering quality seed testing results to seed growers. SGS BioVision is part of the Seed and Crop group within SGS globally, Nysetvold says. When BioVision was acquired by SGS in 2017, it created the Seed and Crop division within SGS Canada. Now, Nysetvold and his staff in Sherwood Park collaborate with other SGS colleagues in 35 different countries. SGS operates seven GLP labs, conducts contract field trials in 28 countries, runs 17 soil laboratories working on precision farming, and has a network of 17 seed testing labs the world over. “Our history has always been in testing for seed multiplication, bringing the seed from breeder status to the certified seed level for the pedigreed seed industry. Now we have greater interactions within the seed industry in Canada, thanks to a number of SGS labs that support the seed industry beyond just seed multiplication,” says Holly Gelech, business development manager Seed and Crop for SGS BioVision. One of those labs includes the Grains Analytical Research Lab in Guelph, Ont., which has partnered with the seed industry in providing end use testing for wheat varieties. SGS BioVision is increasingly becoming involved in plant- and soil-based testing. “We support the seed industry through soil nutrient testing as well as pathology, which includes full fungal scans of the soil to specific pathogens like clubroot and Aphanomyces,” Gelech adds. “We look at the big picture — that’s one of the benefits of having a global presence.” For more info visit biovision.ca. The post Seed Health Insights for the New Year appeared first on Seed World.

Trevor Nysetvold and Holly Gelech of SGS BioVision talk to Marc Zienkiewicz about how the company’s seed testing services are expanding due in part to its recent International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) accreditation. The post Why SGS BioVision’s Services Continue to Expand appeared first on Seed World.

It can often seem like the international trade scene is one of constant disruption. The best weapon in your arsenal is knowledge. In this webinar, four speakers with experience in international trade and regulatory matters will give you some valuable information and lessons learned during their own careers on how to survive and thrive in a sometimes unpredictable global marketplace. During this webinar you will receive:-A high-level snapshot of the international trade climate, especially with regard to agriculture-Lessons in how to prepare for and mitigate the effects of trade disruptions-Tips on the best sources of regulatory information for seed growers-An update on the canola situation in regard to China and some lessons learned along the way. Meet Our Webinar Speakers:Maryscott “Scotty” GreenwoodPrincipal, Dentons,CEO, Canadian-American Business Council Michelle KliegerPresident,Stratagerm Consulting Michael ScheffelManaging Director, Policy and Standards,Canadian Seed Growers’ Association Brian InnesVice President, Public Affairs,Canola Council of Canada Sponsored by SeCan, 20/20 Seed Labs & CANTERRA SEEDS The post Finding Calm in Rough Water: Navigating the World of Global Trade – Germination Retail Roundtable Webinar & Podcast appeared first on Seed World.