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White Mold And Irrigation Water Management In Soybeans Program, March 5 In Indiana

By Mike Staton, Michigan State University Extension
 
Participants will learn new information regarding white mold and irrigation water management, the top two barriers to producing high-yielding soybeans under irrigation.
 
Soybean producers have identified white mold and irrigation water management as the two main challenges associated with irrigated soybean production. In response, the Indiana Soybean Alliance, the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan State University Extension and Purdue University Extension are cooperating to conduct a White Mold and Irrigation Water Management in Soybeans educational program to address these and other issues related to irrigated soybean production. The program will be held Thursday, March 5, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Blue Gate Restaurant, 195 North Van Buren St., Shipshewana, IN 46565.
 
Presenters from North Dakota State University, MSU and Purdue University will cover the following topics:
  • Managing white mold and sudden death syndrome under irrigation.
  • A summary of a multi-state research project evaluating various high-yield soybean management practices.
  • Soybean growth development and yield.
  • Soybean irrigation water management concepts.
  • A new and improved irrigation scheduling program.
Don Stall, two-time overall winner of the Michigan Soybean Yield Contest, will share his experience with raising high-yielding irrigated soybeans. Indiana producers will earn Pesticide Applicator Records Program (PARP) credits and Michigan producers will earn two pesticide applicator recertification credits.
 
The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee and the Indiana Soybean Alliance are covering all costs, so there is no charge for the program. However, pre-registration is requested by registering online or calling 269-673-0370 ext.2562 before noon on Friday, Feb. 27. A complimentary lunch and educational materials will be provided.
 

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How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.