Hugh J. Earl
Associate Professor
Chair, Department of Plant Agriculture
Ontario Agricultural College
Department of Plant Agriculture
Guelph, Ontario
hjearl@uoguelph.ca
Office:
(519) 824-4120 ext. 58568
Expert In
Bio/Research
Dr. Earl's research is focused on bettering the understanding of physiological limitations on oilseed crop (soybean, canola) productivity in Canada. While yield determination is quite well studied for the major grain crops (wheat, corn), much less is known about the physiological basis of genetic...
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Bio/Research
Dr. Earl's research is focused on bettering the understanding of physiological limitations on oilseed crop (soybean, canola) productivity in Canada. While yield determination is quite well studied for the major grain crops (wheat, corn), much less is known about the physiological basis of genetic improvement of Canada's oilseed crops. Modern approaches to plant breeding allow for the efficient and targeted selection of specific physiological traits. Earl's approach offers great potential for rapid progress, but only when scientists know in advance which traits are desirable!
One goal of Earl's research is to identify the morphological/physiological characteristics that impart enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as drought, chilling and excessive heat. A related activity is the screening of available germplasm for useful variability in these traits. This research involves experimentation from the cellular level (where traits express themselves) to the single plant level (where selection occurs in breeding programs) to the crop canopy level (where the value of specific traits to crop performance must ultimately be evaluated).
In addition to the potential contribution to genetic improvement, a better understanding of the physiological basis of yield formation in these crops should lead to improved recommendations for agronomic practices.
Click to Shrink <<
One goal of Earl's research is to identify the morphological/physiological characteristics that impart enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as drought, chilling and excessive heat. A related activity is the screening of available germplasm for useful variability in these traits. This research involves experimentation from the cellular level (where traits express themselves) to the single plant level (where selection occurs in breeding programs) to the crop canopy level (where the value of specific traits to crop performance must ultimately be evaluated).
In addition to the potential contribution to genetic improvement, a better understanding of the physiological basis of yield formation in these crops should lead to improved recommendations for agronomic practices.
Click to Shrink <<