News - Crop Development Centre | University of Saskatchewan

USask researchers discover genes that protect wheat from disease

Bacteria, viruses and fungi are masters at evolving new strategies to infiltrate plants and cause disease that harm crops.

New USask infrastructure to bolster agricultural research

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has received $11.8 million in funding for two new facilities that will provide critical workspace for crop and soil science research and teaching.

Asian Heritage Month: From the Philippines to Saskatoon, USask plant scientist grows connections

College of Agriculture and Bioresources researcher celebrates 30 years at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask Professor awarded Distinguished Agrologist Award

A researcher from the Crop Development Centre have been awarded the Distinguished Agrologist award for his outstanding service and worthy contributions to agriculture, bioresources, food and the environment.

Pulse Check: Innovative Research Tackles Root Rot and Boosts Protein in Canadian Crops

In the heart of Canada’s agricultural research efforts, two significant projects are making strides toward solving critical challenges in modern farming. From combating destructive root rot in pulse crops to addressing the sustainability of crop rotations, researchers are exploring innovative solutions to ensure longevity in our agricultural future.

Cutting-edge USask chickpea research thrives through cold temperatures

Amid the snow and the slush of frigid Saskatchewan winters, one place on the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus always remains warm and green: the greenhouses.

At PGDC Last Week, All Eyes Were on Black Barley, Purple Wheat and Supercharged Oats

A new oat line is making waves in the field, literally and figuratively. It delivers an impressive performance boost over current industry standards, as its creator showed in February at the Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) meeting in Winnipeg.

New USask crop research chair receives Sask Wheat support

The Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) has committed $6.5 million to support the establishment of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission Applied Genomics and Pre-breeding Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

CWRC commits $11.8 million to USask Crop Development Centre

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has committed $11.8 million over the next five years to a core breeding agreement (CBA) with the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Crop Development Centre (CDC).

USask crop research projects receive lion’s share of ADF funding

Twenty-three crop and cropland-focused research projects at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have received $4.18 million in support from the provincial government through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

It starts with a seed

Crop Development Centre brings choice and value to western Canadian producers.

CDC Austenson has Earned the Seed of the Year Award

CDC Austenson isn’t just a barley — it’s a legacy. Crowned Seed of the Year for 2025, this feed barley has become a cornerstone of Canadian agriculture, celebrated for its remarkable yield, straw strength and adaptability.

Activating genomics to accelerate climate-smart crop delivery

How crop rotation options offered by new climate-smart varieties will create economic and environmental gains.

New forage grass named for prize winning racehorse.

CDC Tiznow, is the first Timothy grass variety released by the Crop Development Centre.

Seed Certification Protects Consumers and Research

David Benallack takes CDC Research from Farm to Table

New CDC oat variety honours fallen RCMP Constable.

CDC Anson, is a milling oat variety released by the Crop Development Centre and named by its commercialization partner.

Among the 15 Innovative leaders from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Marrisa Janssen is the Manager of USask's Crop Development Centre and one of Seed World United States Top 15 Management Mavericks in North America.

Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars attributed to USask's Crop Development Centre

A glowing new assessment report of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan highlights the centre’s tremendous economic impact, including thousands of jobs and billions of dollars for Canada.

USask professors awarded Distinguished Agrologist Awards

Two researchers from the Crop Development Centre have been awarded Distinguished Agrologist awards for their outstanding service and worthy contributions to agriculture, bioresources, food and the environment.

USask Professor selected as one of seven 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture

Dr. Sabine Banniza (PhD), professor at the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan and strategic research chair in pulse crop pathology, has spent over twenty years specializing in research on diseases in pulse crops. With a long-time passion for safe and sustainable food production, she’s made significant contributions to Canada’s status as the principal exporter of pulses.

Asian Heritage Month: Forage breeder a research leader at USask

Growing up on the Mongolian Plateau, Dr. Bill Biligetu (PhD) has seen first-hand the effect climate change can have on grasslands. As the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Forage Crop Breeding at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Biligetu is breeding resilient forage varieties adapted for stressful environments.

USask researcher awarded $4.2 million to battle root rot

SASKATOON – Root rot in pulse crops has grown to be a devastating issue for growers across Saskatchewan and Western Canada, so a team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers and colleagues at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the National Research Council (NRC) led by Dr. Sabine Banniza (PhD) of USask’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) is comprehensively searching for ways to beat it.

More than $10 million awarded to USask crop research projects

Twenty-nine crop science projects from researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have received a total of close to $7.5 million from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and more than $2.5 million in co-funding from industry partners.

USask appoints new lentil and faba bean breeder

Dr. Ana Vargas (PhD) has been appointed as the new lentil and faba bean breeder and an Agri-Food Innovation Fund Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

A life in wheat

As Dr. Pierre Hucl (PhD) steps down as a Strategic Research Program (SRP) chair, he reflects on the evolution of wheat breeding in Canada and looks ahead to a bright future.

CDC flax variety honours former flax breeder

CDC Rowland is a large-seeded oilseed flax variety that’s been termed a “game changer” for western Canadian flax growers.

Increased funding a vote of confidence for the Crop Development Centre

In January, the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) received news that their Core Operating funding from the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) had been renewed.

CDC yellow field pea cultivar named in recognition of local Saskatchewan farmer

CDC Lewochko, is a medium seed size, semi-leafless yellow field pea cultivar with a high seed protein content.

Eye in the sky speeds forage research on saline soils

A blustery day grounded Alex Waldner’s planned demonstration flight — an occupational hazard for Saskatchewan drone pilots, she said — but the University of Saskatchewan master’s student waxed enthusiastic about the value of an eye in the sky for research and producers.

USask wheat breeder earns province's highest honour

Dr. Pierre Hucl (PhD) has been named a 2023 Saskatchewan Order of Merit recipient in recognition of his remarkable contributions to crop development and research.

Exciting times in wheat research at the Crop Development Centre

Krystalee Wiebe is optimistic that USask genetic research projects in wheat and durum will be vital in addressing future agricultural challenges.

USask research chair successor to lead spring wheat and canaryseed breeding program

Dr. Adam Carter (PhD) has been appointed as the new Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Spring Wheat and Canaryseed Breeding and Genetics at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

Strengthening agricultural systems through plant-breeding and tools for farmers

Farm productivity is subject to a complex web of conditions. On the economic side of the balance sheet, there are factors like supply chain woes, inflationary pressures and supply-and-demand imbalances.

CDC milling oat variety bred to endure.

CDC Endure, is a milling oat variety released in 2019 with a strong agronomic package that had the potential to “endure” for many years as a popular variety with growers and industry.

Cool Beans: How Ana Vargas chose the Crop Development Centre for her life’s work

Ana’s unique history inspired her love of pulses, and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) provided the perfect place to turn her passion into meaningful impact.

CDC durum variety named for its dark awns

CDC Vantta, a newly released Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) wheat variety, is noticeably different. Released in 2021, CDC Vantta is a new CDC durum variety that is noticeably shorter and expresses long black-coloured awns from the spike.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science; recognizing our faculty members in Plant Sciences and the Crop Development Centre

February 11th marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) - an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

USask researchers aim to reclaim saline soils

Researchers with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) forage breeding team are looking to provide growers with better methods for managing saline areas.

USask awarded $14 million to support innovative crop research

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has been awarded $14 million through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), with $7.2 million of the funds allocated to operating the Crop Development Centre (CDC) for the next five years.

CDC Professor and Director awarded prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

As a highly successful wheat breeder with the Crop Development Centre for almost two decades, Dr. Curtis Pozniak (PhD) was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan) on December 14, 2022, marking the celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary on the throne and honoring an individual’s significant contribution and achievement to Canada.

From summer student to PhD: Cultivating an appreciation for plant genetics

Adam Carter can pinpoint two specific moments in his young life that put him on track to pursuing a PhD in the wheat breeding program at the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask researcher aims to reduce fertilizer use through plant cross-breeding

A strong source of protein and fibre, peas are a staple in many diets and are appearing more frequently in products such as plant-based meat substitutes and bakery goods. University of Saskatchewan (USask) PhD student Loveleen Dhillon has dedicated her doctoral research to investigating how to improve nitrogen fixation to optimize pea crop yields in Canada.

Wheat pathology research a practical way to help producers

Mackenzie Hladun is fascinated by the basic principles of how a host can defend itself from disease, whether it comes to animals, humans or plants.

USask student finds home between agriculture research and community

Communicating research to the public is one of David MacTaggart’s strengths — and it’s a skill he’s honed during his master’s degree.

Exploring the unknown: Molecular plant pathology a passion for USask student

Plant pathology has been a fascinating topic of research for Matthew Wengler since the early years of his undergraduate program.

Three generations at the CDC

The history of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) is a celebration of plant breeding and how new varieties indelibly changed agriculture in Saskatchewan, and around the world. It is also the story of individuals connected through teaching, learning and mentorship. The experience of Dr. Bob Baker, Dr. Pierre Hucl and Dr. Curtis Pozniak is but one example of the best students and mentors creating the best next generation, not unlike plant breeding itself.

USask student uses genomics to accelerate pea breeding for heat resistance

Shaoming Huang is using advanced sequencing technology to shorten the breeding cycle of field peas.

USask hosts the Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to the contributions the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has made to scientific discovery, as he wrapped up his visit to campus on Wednesday.

USask Emeritus Professor Inducted into SK Ag Hall of Fame

Professor Emeritus Rick Holm and previous director of the Crop Development Centre was officially inducted into the SK Agriculture Hall of Fame on Saturday April 9, 2022.

USask researchers aim to boost uranium, wheat sectors with novel technology

Two University of Saskatchewan (USask) projects have been awarded Natural Sciences and Engineering Council (NSERC) Alliance Grants totaling $885,000 for research aimed at developing novel technologies to improve productivity and profitability in the key agriculture and uranium sectors.

USask New Flax Breeder put first lines through at PGDC

The University of Saskatchewan’s new flax breeder got to put forward his first flax line this year at the annual meeting of the Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC).

CDC Researcher Awarded Pulse Promoter Award

Dr. Bunyamin Tar’an has been recognized by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers for the significant contribution he has made to the development of Saskatchewan's pulse industry.

Resilient Crops Developed through Research and Breeding

Saskatchewan experienced a widespread drought in 2021, with significantly lower yields across much of the province. With these challenges, it is important to keep an eye on the work researchers are conducting to develop crop varieties that can better tolerate adverse weather conditions to maintain yield and quality.

Crop Development Centre launching new look to celebrate a half century of success

The Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a powerhouse of research that’s propelled Canadian agriculture forward for five decades—and it shows no signs of slowing.

USask chickpea research aims to improve important food source for low- and lower-middle-income countries

SASKATOON – University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers are part of a global team that used DNA to track the genetic evolution and migration of the chickpea, offering insights that could lead to more nutritious and adaptable varieties.

USask researcher and Paralympian seeks plant-based solution to iron deficiency

A new breed of field peas may lead to the development of an effective ‘food-first’ iron supplement.

New USask research has potential to make fava beans a new favourite from farm to fork

A once popular high-protein legume crop with potential to make farming more environmentally sustainable is poised for reinvigorated popularity, thanks to an international research team, including plant geneticists from University of Saskatchewan (USask).

USask’s CDC celebrates a half century of crop innovation

A scan across the horizon reveals how much Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape has changed in half a century: millions of acres of ripening lentils, fields of sky blue flax, and stubble poking through snowy expanses, ready to receive springtime’s direct-seeded crop.

New USask research will make bean crops hardier, help improve global food security

Tepary beans—a high protein legume common to the southwest United States and Mexico—may hold the key to adapting bean crops for the increasingly harsh conditions brought on by a changing climate, according to research led by University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Michigan State University.

USask scientists help find the key to decoding rye genome

An international team led by the IPK Leibniz Institute in Germany and including University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers has succeeded in completely decoding the genome of rye, despite its large size and complexity.

USask agriculture researchers awarded $5.8M to help feed the world, protect the planet

Eighteen wide-ranging University of Saskatchewan (USask) crop research projects have been awarded a total of almost $5.8 million through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), a program jointly supported by the federal and provincial governments and supplemented by industry partners.