Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Greenhouse & Processing Crops Research Centre,
2585 COUNTY ROAD 20, HARROW, ON, CANADA N0R 1G0
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/science
A – The Research Team
Supervisor of the student: Dr. Vaino Poysa, Plant Breeder – Soybeans, Sustainable Production Systems
The Science Director: Dr. Gary Whitfield
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. Kangfu Yu, Dr. Lorna Woodrow and Dr. Ray Cerkauskas
University partners: Dr. Istvan Rajcan, Dr. Gary Ablett, Dr. Milena Corredig
Industry partners: OSG
B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
Objectives:
(1) To improve understanding of genetic control of disease and insect (aphid) resistance and seed quality traits in soybeans and develop molecular markers (MM) that are useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) soybean,
(2) To clones genes controlling response of soybeans to aphids and pathogen stresses.
(3) To clone regulatory genes controlling protein subunit deposition in soybean.
Value:
The knowledge, MMs and cloned genes developed from this project could be used by Chinese and Canadian researchers to develop more disease resistant and better quality soybean cultivars. The exchange of germplasm which would be an integral part of this project should be mutually beneficial for both countries.
C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
The student will be integrated into the AAFC research program to enhance the soy innovation chain for food quality, nutrition and safety. The student will conduct experiments in genetics and plant molecular biology under direct supervision of the scientist and other members of the Harrow team, providing both theoretical and practical training to the student.
The successful candidate must be fluent in English and have a solid basic training in molecular biology and plant breeding.
In conjunction with the Chinese supervisor, we will develop a research project to be conducted jointly in Canada and China which will enable the student to 1) complete a Ph.D. thesis 2) publish research results in international scientific journals, and 3) be well trained to contribute independently to a progressive breeding program.
PROJECT ID: 2009_Harrow_05
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PROJECT TITLE: Nutrient and Water Management for Sustainable Agricultural Production
Internship location in Canada:
Greenhouse and Processing Crops Research Centre,
Harrow, Ontario
Internship Duration:
24 months
Contact: Tiequan Zhang
Email: zhangt@agr.gc.ca
Phone: 1-519-738-1269
Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Greenhouse & Processing Crops Research Centre,
2585 COUNTY ROAD 20, HARROW, ON, CANADA N0R 1G0
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/science
A – The Research Team
Supervisor of the student: Dr. Tiequan Zhang, (Soil Fertility & Chemistry, Water Quality) Environmental Health
The Science Director: Dr. Gary Whitfield
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. C.S. Tan and Dr. Jingyi Yang
University partners: Dr. I. O’Halloran (University of Guelph)
Industry partners: Mr. G. Patterson (A&L Canada Laboratories)
B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
Environmental quality has increasingly become an issue, while there has been a significant increase in crop productivity in past 2 decades in China. Documented evidences have clearly shown that the large increases of crop yield are closely related to fertilizer application (over 50%) and water management. However, evidences have also shown that over-fertilization and improper soil water management have led to severe nutrient loss from agricultural land to water resources, due to the lack of sustainable technologies which maximize the crop productivity while minimizing the damages to the environment (soil, water, and air quality). The issue has caused serious concerns not only related to the investment profitability (economy), but also to the social development (sufficient supply of quality drinking water and food) and environmental health. The objectives of the research program include: 1) development of techniques for optimum fertilizers (N, P, K) application in combination with water management (drip fertigation, controlled drainage sub-irrigation, tile-drainage) to maximize crop (field and horticultural) yield and quality while improving water quality, especially with reduction of soil P loss; 2) characterization of P compounds in livestock manures and long-term fertilized and manured soils using chemical and advanced physical approaches (XANES etc.); 3) determination of P transformation and loss pathways in short-term and especially long-term fertilized and manured soils; and 4) development of soil P index for agricultural non-point source (nutrients) risk assessment.
Value of the project for Canada and China: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Harrow, ON, has extensive in-depth experiences of research on sustainable agricultural production and water-nutrient management. The cooperation studies between Canada and China would (1) enhance the development of innovative technologies for nutrient and water management and sustainable agricultural production systems. These technologies can be adopted by both Chinese and Canadian farmers to increase production profitability and to prevent soil degradation and desertification; (2) promote bilateral understanding and knowledge exchange, and establishment of more effective research network for further cooperation in China; and (3) enhancement of Canada and China’s reputation and leading roles in global agricultural production in a sustainable responsible manner.
C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
The research program at AAFC, Harrow, ON, provides an experimental (well-equipped analytical laboratories and long-term filed plots and availability of advanced instruments, such as XANES) and theoretical platform to determine soil nutrient and water dynamics and to develop new technologies for beneficial nutrient and water management practices. The research work that the student will involve will be under direct supervision of highly qualified scientists. This includes 1) layout field plots, facility set-up, data collection and analyses; 2) laboratory sample analysis using the mostly advanced technologies and instruments (such as FIA auto-analyzer, XANES); 3) attend various research meetings to discuss project progress and to exchange ideas for further research planning; 4) prepare research reports (in English) and scientific publications in internationally highly-ranked journals by closely working with the program team scientists; and 4) complete Ph.D thesis.
Expected qualification of the student: 1) A Ph.D. student in soil fertility and chemistry, agronomy, or natural resource and environmental sciences; 2) Excellent English skills in reading, writing, and speaking; and 3) A good team player.
PROJECT ID: 2009_Lethbridge_01
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PROJECT TITLE: Impact of rotating potato, oats and forage on the crop productivity and soil properties in dry land agriculture
Supervisor of the student: Dr. Surya Acharya, Sustainable Production Systems
The Science Director: Dr. Jeff Steward
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. Qin Chen
University partners: University of Lethbridge and Inner Mongolia Agricultural University
Industry partners: Potato Growers of Alberta
B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
In recent years global carbon cycle and carbon storage capacity has gained world wide importance. Soil respiration and abundance of micro organism in the soil are considered key indicators of soil carbon storage capacity. Before the zero-till and minimum till technology along with proper crop rotations practices were adopted by Canada producers wind and water erosion in dry land area were common. Inner Mongolia of China faces similar problems now. Many years of cultivation and annual crop production has exposed the crop land in China to vagaries of wind and water erosion. Although adoption of zero-till and minimum-till technologies will help stabilize the soil, it may not improve soil or reduce dependence on high value nitrogenous fertilizers for crop growth. The other aspect of improving sustainability of soil productivity and stabilizing soil is crop rotation. In the harsh environment of Inner Mongolia this is major concern but no one has attempted to address this until now. This proposed project will study the impact of rotating annual and perennial crops on crop productivity and soil properties over a ten year period. The effects of water stress on potato, oats and forage crops’ protective enzyme system and yield will also be studied.
C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
Crop rotation study will include two locations Hohhot and Lethbridge; and three crops; potato, oats and alfalfa. Locally adapted cultivars of these crops will be used in this study. Each rotation will be for four years and the treatments would be 1) potato, alfalfa (2 years), oats; 2) oats, alfalfa (2 years), potato; 3) oats with alfalfa (mixed crop for year 1 and year 2 just alfalfa), oats, potato; 4) same as three for first two years, potato for two years; 5) oats (2 years), alfalfa (2 years); potato (2 years), alfalfa (2 years); 6) only oats; 7) only alfalfa; 8) only potato. In the fifth year all plot areas would be seeded to one cereal crop with half the recommended fertilizer to determine the effect of the four year rotation. This rotation experiment should be repeated one more time using the same plots to see long term effect of the crop rotation on crop productivity and soil properties.
The works should be part of a Ph. D thesis. Accomplishment of the research will extend their scientific knowledge and work skills in the area of crop management ans sustainability of crop production.
PROJECT ID: 2009_Lethbridge_02
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PROJECT TITLE: Molecular breeding for improvement of late blight resistance and resistant starch in potatoes
Internship location in Canada:
Lethbridge Research Centre,
Lethbridge, Alberta
Internship Duration:
24 months
Contact: Qin Chen
Email: chenqi@agr.gc.ca
Phone: 1-403-317-2289
Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Lethbridge Research Centre,
Supervisor of the student: Dr. Qin Chen, Sustainable Production Systems
The Science Director: Dr. Jeff Steward
Other AAFC scientist: Dr. Benoit Bizimungu
University partners: Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China; University of Lethbridge and Inner Mongolia Agricultural University
Industry partners: Potato Growers of Alberta
B – Project Description: objective, duration, value of the project for Canada and China, Outcome expected
Potato is one of the most important food crops in China and in Canada. Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is the most disastrous disease problem of potatoes worldwide. Antioxidants are important for disease prevents in human being. Potato starch is the major storage carbohydrate and has a number of characteristics, which make it very suitable for various food and industrial applications. The range of potato starch applications is heavily influenced by the ratio of its two major components: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose has a linear molecular structure and can stack to form packed granules tightly which is insoluble and hard to digest whereas amylopectin has a branched structure that is thus easier to digest. So the higher the amylose content of starch the greater its resistance to digestion, therefore the plants are higher in resistant starch (RS). Resistant starch is a type of dietary fibre; it has impact on weight loss and overall health. Studies show it improves blood sugar control, boosts immunity, and may even reduce cancer risk. Development of high levels of late blight resistance and resistant starch potato cultivars has become a high priority for the Canadian and Chinese potato industries. The new resistance cultivars will provide the new genetic resources and most economical type of sustainable disease control measures, which will contribute for reducing input costs and environmental impact with the use of pesticides. Modification of starch and increasing of levels of resistant starch in potatoes can be achieved by genetic transformation. In this study, late blight resistant genes from wild potato species and biotechnologies will be used to produce new resistant potatoes. The recombinant DNA technology will be used to produce an improved and novel resistant starch in potatoes by the introduction of RNA interference or antisense inhibition of starch synthase genes. Development of late blight resistant potatoes and increase of resistant starch content hold an enormous potential for potato research and for potato industrial and food uses.
C – Internship: Describe the internship program, the expected student qualifications, and the benefits to student
Cloning, reconstructing and function analyzing of the genes and promoters related to late blight resistance and starch biosynthesis in potatoes. Expression analysis of resistant genes and starch biosynthesis genes in different development stages of potato tubers. We employ the latest biotechnologies, such as iRNA interference for gene identification, isolation, expression and transformation in potatoes.
The works should be part of his/her Ph. D thesis. Accomplishment of the research will extend their scientific knowledge and work skills in the areas of biotechnologies, DNA and RNA techniques, genomics, molecular and developmental genetics.
