Gursahib Singh named new Ridgetown field crop pathologist

The University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus has added a world-class field crop pathologist to its teaching and research repertoire, it announced Aug. 20.

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Gursahib Singh holds the Grain Farmers of Ontario Professorship in Field Crop Pathology. He joins the University of Guelph from Irrigation Saskatchewan, where he served as research director.

Why it matters: The professorship will allow greater research into new and damaging fungal pests in Ontario.

The new position is supported by a $2 million gift from the Grain Farmers of Ontario. The farmer organization announced the gift in January 2023 at the Ontario Agricultural Conference.

After completing his PhD from the University of Saskatchewan in 2021, Singh managed more than 100 research trials on crop protection, agronomy, precision agriculture, soil nutrient dynamics, genotype screening and evaluation under dryland and irrigation conditions while at the irrigation and crop diversification centre in Saskatchewan.

“My research endeavors encompass a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to tackle the pressing challenges faced by Ontario farmers in managing crop diseases,” Singh said in a news release.

“With a keen eye on long-term solutions and a firm dedication to advancing agricultural practices, my research program seeks to bolster the resilience and productivity of Canadian agriculture.”

Singh is now involved in wheat resistance breeding research at the University of Saskatchewan, primarily focusing on combating pathogens and identifying resistant sources.

“I look forward to establishing a comprehensive program to regularly screen wheat germplasm for diseases in collaboration with experts at Ridgetown and the Ontario Agricultural College,” said Singh.

Brett Shepherd, director of the Ridgetown Campus, said the college welcomes Singh to the academic faculty.

“He will play a leading role in inspiring future agricultural leaders and conducting groundbreaking research to inform Ontario’s agriculture sector.”

Singh said his teaching philosophy is rooted in the teacher-student model.

“This approach forms the foundation for my lectures and teaching style,” he said. “I believe in integrating my research into the classroom, presenting real-world examples that connect the concepts of the subject to practical applications.”