Martin Mau, a senior researcher at the University of Saskatchewan’s Global Institute for Food Security, examines mature boechera plants that are setting seeds in one of the institute’s climate chambers.

Game-changing breeding technique makes progress

University launches a four-year research project into apomixis, a ‘disruptive technology’ for plant breeding

University of Saskatchewan researchers are making good progress on a “disruptive technology” that will turn crop breeding on its head. Apomixis is a form of asexual seed production found in […] Read more

It is important to know what key traits exist and the relationship between negative and positive traits when making changes to a cow herd.

Beef genomic selection finds its stride

Research is ongoing to find new traits and figure out genetic correlations to make the best breeding choice

Picking the best herd sire or selecting replacement heifers is getting easier for producers who use genomically enhanced expected progeny differences. The predictions of valuable traits like carcass merit, longevity […] Read more


The Government of Canada believes gene edited crops can help farmers produce “safe and affordable food, feed, fibres, and energy in the 21st century.”

Canada joins group supporting gene editing

Twelve countries issued a joint statement in support of the plant breeding process

The federal government has come out in favour of gene editing. Or, more accurately, the Government of Canada believes gene edited crops can help farmers produce “safe and affordable food, […] Read more



Adzuki bean size is an issue in Ontario, but bean breeders are working to improve it.

Breeders look to bump up adzuki bean yield

The high-value bean consistently yields less than other edible beans, but breeders are trying to change that

Adzuki beans are prized by Japanese buyers for taste and colour and used in many Asian foods, including soups and desserts. But it’s hard to convince growers in Ontario to […] Read more

Valerio Primono is the tomato plant breeder at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.

A new tomato for Ontario

A large project aims to create on-the-vine greenhouse tomatoes optimized for Ontario growing conditions and consumers

What do Ontarians like in a tomato? Some like a tough skin and viscous inside. Others like sweetness and softness. The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers gave the Vineland Research and […] Read more