Lab News
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April 8, 2025
First Step Toward Developing Phenomic Markers for Anthracnose Resistance in Dry Beans
At the time a proposal was developed for fast screening and detection of anthracnose-resistant dry bean genotypes in the field, consideration was given to developing phenomic markers in addition to genomic markers for early-stage detection of anthracnose. To pursue this, it was hypothesized that conducting a controlled indoor experiment could help isolate the pure spectral variance caused by anthracnose infection. This approach would allow for the identification of key hyperspectral wavelengths associated with anthracnose resistance. These wavelengths could then be compared with those collected in the field to evaluate how well single-plant measurements correlate with canopy-level data. Today marked the first day of our indoor experiment aimed at identifying phenomic markers linked to anthracnose resistance in dry beans. Jhana and Sajal, who are both involved in the project, began by filling the pots and sowing the seeds. In this experiment, we selected six genotypes: two resistant, two moderately resistant, and two susceptible to anthracnose. Each genotype will be grown in four replicates under two treatments, inoculated and non-inoculated with anthracnose. We will capture hyperspectral reflectance data from each pot at two different viewing angles, allowing us to track changes over time and analyze resistance-related signatures. Stay tuned for updates!
March 14, 2025
Showcasing Innovation at College Royal 2025
Our team debuted cutting-edge dry bean varieties at the University of Guelph’s 2025 College Royal. Developed using advanced computational breeding, these varieties enhance yield, resilience, and adaptability for Ontario growers. Attendees explored our vision for sustainable agriculture firsthand.
February 27, 2025
Engaging Growers at the Ontario Bean Growers AGM
Dr. Mohsen Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi presented What’s Next at UoG? Advancing Computational Methods in Dry Bean Breeding at the Ontario Bean Growers AGM. His talk on computational techniques for resilient, high-yield beans sparked dynamic discussions with growers and experts.
January 16, 2025
Advancing AI at the 22nd CCA Conference
Dr. Mohsen Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi delivered From Data to Harvest: AI and Multi-Omics in Crop Production at the 22nd CCA Conference, highlighting how AI and multi-omics are transforming dry bean breeding for sustainable farming.