UoG Professor in Wheat Breeding Named

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) Professorship in Wheat Breeding at the University of Guelph has been filled by Ali Navabi.

In 2013 GFO and SeCan announced a $1-million investment to create a professorship position focused in wheat breeding at the University of Guelph’s Department of Plant Agriculture.

According to the university’s website, Navabi has been a bean breeder with the University of Guelph since 2008. He also has 15 years’ experience in wheat breeding.

The position will bring back a focus on cereal research. Previously, the university had four researchers who had specialized on wheat research including winter wheat breeding, but over the years had lost those researchers. Navabi will be tasked with developing new varieties for Ontario growers. In addition to the research component, he will also participate in the Ontario Cereal Crop Committee, which oversees cereal registration and performance testing.

Navabi will begin in the role starting May 1, 2014.