Master of Science in Plant Agriculture – Department of Plant Agriculture, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph

Area of Focus:

Sustainable Horticultural Production Systems

Overview:

The Thesis-based Master of Science degree in Plant Agriculture is a full-time program where the successful candidate will design and execute a thesis-based project as well as complete appropriate coursework to complement their area of focus at the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph.

Location: University of Guelph, and Guelph Turfgrass Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Entry Terms: Winter, Summer or Fall semesters (Ideally Winter 2027)
Deadlines: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis
Degree Requirements: Masters degree requires Bachelors degree in Science

There is an opening for one (1) graduate student wishing to pursue a Master of Science degree within a well-funded Mitacs Accelerate research project studying Ecotea biostimulant product as a way to reduce inputs for horticultural crop maintenance. The project will allow for skills development in the fields of crop fertility, soil science, microbiology, plant pathology and molecular biology.

The successful MSc candidate will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with Senior plant pathologists in our lab, other MSc candidates, Research Technicians, as well as receive semesterly project assistance from undergraduate research interns. The successful MSc candidate will also have the chance to work collaboratively with our industrial partner, EcoTea.

The position includes an annual stipend of $30,000 per year plus the option to TA for additional income. There is also an opportunity to work in our diagnostic laboratory for additional experience and income.

About the Project:

This research project will consist of field research trials evaluating the efficacy of EcoTea compost tea biostimulant as compared to an untreated low-maintenance control (limited nitrogen fertilizer only), a grower-standard control (complete fertilizer and fungicide program), and EcoTea in combination with varying levels of fertility. The model plant for this study will be turfgrass but the concepts of sustainability, microbial antagonism and plant growth promotion can transfer to any cropping system.

The treatments will be applied to a research putting green surface at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute commencing in late-summer 2026. Turfgrass quality data including colour, quality, canopy reflectance (NDVI) will be collected. We will also assess changes in thatch levels and soil organic matter over time as well development of naturally occurring dollar spot (caused by the fungus Clarireedia jacksonii). Soil samples will be evaluated for microbial activity/soil health in response to the treatments in the laboratory using DNA analysis, and Real Time PCR quantification. Additional research sites (on various cultivated varieties of creeping bentgrass) are planned to be added in 2027 once a M.Sc. candidate has joined the research team. Undergraduate research assistants and a Master's student will be mentored and trained in many facets of research through this important project. Unbiased, university-backed data generated from the project are a significant benefit for EcoTea for a product marketing and sales in North America.

About the Guelph Turfgrass Institute:

“The Guelph Turfgrass Institute was established in 1987 to conduct research and extension and provide information on turfgrass production and management to members of the Canadian turfgrass industry. Part of the University of Guelph, the institute is supported by the university, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the turfgrass industry. 

The first of its kind in Canada, the institute is recognized as a world-class centre for research, extension work and professional development for the study of turf. Building on the University of Guelph's long-standing expertise in turfgrass science, the research activities of the institute continue to focus in areas such as the environmental aspects of pesticide use (fate and persistence), evaluation of grass species, varieties and seeding methods, sports field construction, fertility and management programs, pesticide use and the biological and cultural control of diseases and weeds.”

Reference for the above excerpt - https://www.guelphturfgrass.ca/about/about-us

Meet the personnel involved with this project:

Dr. Katerina Jordan is the Director of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and the Principal Investigator (PI) for this project. She has been a faculty member at the University of Guelph since 2005 and specializes in plant pathology, soil health, and nematology:

https://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/kjordan

John R. Watson, MSc, BSc (Agr). Is the Principal Research Technician for the Turfgrass program at the Unversity of Guelph and the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. John completed his MSc at the University of Guelph in 2009 and has been supporting the turfgrass program in his current capacity since 2017.

How to Apply:

Please send your Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV), and any other supporting information to Dr. Katerina S. Jordan kjordan@uoguelph.ca and John R. Watson watson01@uoguelph.ca if you or someone you know is interested in an exciting MSc opportunity in sustainable Plant Agriculture. Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you.