Spotlight on Innovation: Meet SaskBarley’s 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Each year, SaskBarley offers scholarships as an investment in promising university students who are carrying out research focused on barley. The scholarship program also encourages and supports new research to benefit Saskatchewan’s barley sector.
The 2024 SaskBarley Scholarship Program has recognized three exceptional students dedicated to advancing barley research in Canada. Through projects addressing key challenges such as disease resistance, lodging, and data reliability, these scholars’ work will support a stronger and more resilient future for barley.
Sheila Andrade, PhD, University of Saskatchewan
Sheila’s PhD research tackles Fusarium head blight (FHB), a significant fungal disease affecting barley in Western Canada. By utilizing synchrotron-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography, Sheila’s project seeks to improve the detection of Fusarium-damaged kernels. Her work could revolutionize how breeders assess FHB damage, fostering the development of more resistant varieties. “This research is pioneering for FHB management and crucial for sustainable barley production,” said her advisor, Dr. Randy Kutcher.
Suman Bagale, MSc, University of Alberta
Focusing on the root system architecture (RSA) of barley, Suman’s research explores the relationship between root traits and lodging tolerance, a pressing concern for yield and quality. By studying old and new barley varieties, he aims to breed varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency and lodging resistance. “Suman’s research is already generating insights that have drawn interest from both producers and researchers alike,” said Dr. Linda Gorim, his supervisor.
Jessa Fox, Undergraduate, University of Saskatchewan
As an undergraduate researcher, Jessa is focusing on Bacterial Leaf Streak (BLS) in barley. Her work examines optimal inoculation protocols to reduce data variability, essential for identifying BLS-resistant barley varieties. Jessa’s findings will be integral to supporting profitable and resilient barley production in the future.
SaskBarley extends congratulations to these talented researchers and looks forward to seeing how their projects impact barley farming in Saskatchewan and beyond.
SaskBarley’s scholarship’s open in June each year with an application deadline in early October. For more information visit SaskBarley.com/about-us/scholarships, follow us on Facebook and X or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.
