Graduate Prize for Publishing During the Graduate Program 2023 Winners

Overview:

On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the winners of the Graduate Prize for Publishing were announced.

In alphabetical order:

Isabelle Aicklen (2)

Isabelle Aicklen is currently working on her Ph.D. project, which focuses on confirming and characterizing MCPA resistance in green pigweed at both the physiological and molecular levels. In 2022, she published two papers that describe the response of MCPA-resistant green pigweed in corn and soybeans, which will be included as separate chapters in her thesis. These papers highlight the effects of the resistant weed on Ontario's two most significant field crops and provide a foundation for future experiments. Although the resistance to MCPA and other auxinic herbicides can limit the choices available to farmers, there are still alternative solutions. 

Control of Multiple-Herbicide-Resistant Green Pigweed (Amaranthus powellii) With Preemergence and Postemergence Herbicides in Ontario Corn Production
Isabelle K. Aicklen1, Nader Soltani1, François J. Tardif1, Darren E. Robinson1 & Peter H. Sikkema1

Control of Multiple-Herbicide-Resistant Green Pigweed(Amaranthus powellii) with Preemergence and ostemergence Herbicides in Ontario Soybean Production
Isabelle K. Aicklen 1, Nader Soltani 1,*, François J. Tardif 1, Darren E. Robinson 1, Martin Laforest 2 and Peter H. Sikkema 1

Meghan Dilliott (5)

The focus of Meghan’s research was on improving the level and consistency of multiple-herbicide-resistant Canada fleabane control in soybean. The addition of saflufenacil to 2,4-D ester, halauxifen-methyl, dicamba, or pyraflufen-ethyl/2,4-D improved the level and consistency of multiple-herbicide-resistant Canada fleabane in soybean. The addition of saflufenacil or dicamba to bromoxynil improved the level and consistency of multiple-herbicide-resistant Canada fleabane control. The addition of saflufenacil to dicamba improved the level and consistency of multiple-herbicide-resistant Canada fleabane control in Roundup Xtend soybean. Glufosinate did not provide acceptable control of multiple-herbicide-resistant Canada fleabane; the addition of metribuzin of dicamba improved the level and consistency of control. The addition of a PPO-inhibiting herbicide to glufosinate does not improve multiple-herbicide-resistant Canada fleabane control.

The addition of very low rates of PPO-inhibiting herbicides to glufosinate does not improve the control of GR Canada fleabane. Weed Technology 36:358-367.
Dilliott, Meghan, A, Nader Soltani, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

When using glyphosate plus dicamba, 2,4-D ester, halauxifen-methyl or pyraflufen-ethyl/2,4-D for glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane control in soybean, which third tankmix partner is better, saflufenacil or metribuzin?
Weed Technology 36:295-302.
Dilliott, Meghan, A, Nader Soltani, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Strategies to improve glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane with glufosinate applied preplant to soybean. Weed Technology 36:289-294.
Dilliott, Meghan, A, Nader Soltani, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

The addition of saflufenacil to glyphosate plus dicamba improves glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane (Erigeron canadensis L.) control in soybean. Agronomy. 12(3), 654;
Dilliott, Meghan, A, Nader Soltani, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Will the addition of 2,4-D ester, halauxifen-methyl, dicamba, metribuzin, saflufenacil, tiafenacil or pyraflufen-ethyl/2,4-D to bromoxynil applied preplant improve the level and consistency of glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane control in soybean? Journal of Agricultural Science 14:1 ISSN 1916-9752; E-ISSN 1916-9760; doi:10.5539/jas.v14n1p11.
Dilliott, Meghan, A, Nader Soltani, Darren E. Robinson, David C. Hooker and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

James Ferrier (2)

James Ferrier studied the control of multiple-herbicide-resistant waterhemp control with pyroxasulfone and flumioxazin. The predicted doses of pyroxasulfone and flumioxazin for 80% control 8 weeks after application are 110 and 80 g/ha, respectively. The co-application of pyroxasulfone and flumioxazin resulted in a synergistic improvement shortly after waterhemp emergence; however, by mid-season the interaction was additive. Pyroxasulfone/flumioxazin caused transient soybean injury.

The interaction of pyroxasulfone and flumioxazin applied preemergence for the control of multiple-herbicide-resistant waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq) J.D. Sauer] in soybean. Weed Technology 36:318-323.
Ferrier, James, Nader Soltani, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Biologically effective dose of flumioxazin and pyroxasulfone for control of multiple herbicide-resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) in soybean. Weed Science. 70: 243-248.
Ferrier, James, Nader Soltani, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022. 

John Fluttert (7)

John published seven manuscripts from his MSc thesis research! The goal of John’s research was to refine the recommendations for weed control in corn with tolpyralate. John identified Merge as the best adjuvant to apply with tolpyralate, tolpyralate + atrazine, and tolpyralate + bromoxynil. The co-application of tolpyralate with reactive oxygen species generating herbicides (atrazine, bromoxynil or glufosinate) results in an additive or synergistic improvement in weed control. 

Effective dose of atrazine required to complement tolpyralate for control of annual weed species in corn. Weed Technology 36:523-530
Fluttert, John C., Nader Soltani, Mariano Galla, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Interaction between tolpyralate and atrazine for the control of annual weed species in corn. Weed Science 70:408-422.
Fluttert, John C., Nader Soltani, Mariano Galla, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Interactions between 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibiting and reactive oxygen species generating herbicides for the control of annual weed species in corn. Weed Science 70:423-435.
Fluttert, John C., Nader Soltani, Mariano Galla, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Enhancement of tolpyralate + bromoxynil efficacy with adjuvants. Journal of Agricultural Science Volume 14: No 4; 2022 ISSN 1916-9752 E-ISSN 1916-9760.  
Fluttert, John C., Nader Soltani, Mariano Galla, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Additive and synergistic interactions of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) and photosystem II-inhibitors for the control of glyphosate-resistant horseweed in corn. Weed Science 70:319-327.
Fluttert, John C., Nader Soltani, Mariano Galla, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Enhancement of tolpyralate efficacy with adjuvants. Weed Technology 36:310-317.
Fluttert, John C., Nader Soltani, Mariano Galla, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Enhancement of tolpyralate plus atrazine efficacy with adjuvants. Weed Technology 36:303-309.
Fluttert, John C., Nader Soltani, Mariano Galla, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Seyed M. Hashemisardroud (1)

As part of his PhD thesis, Seyed was involved in the development and genetic characterization of SoyMAGIC, the first Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross in soybean. Seyed executed the experiment, collected and analyzed the data, and wrote these papers. These papers represent the first part of his PhD study.

SoyMAGIC: An Unprecedented Platform for Genetic Studies and Breeding Activities in Soybean
Seyed Mohammad Hashemi, Gregory Perry, Istvan Rajcan and Milad Eskandari*

Mohsen Hesami (4)

These publications represent comprehensive reviews on various aspects of cannabis cultivation and biotechnology.  Together, they lay the groundwork to identify gaps in out current understanding and guide future research efforts in the cannabis space.  This directly contributes to Mohsen's thesis where he is studying the epigenetic changes that occur in cannabis plants during growth and various biotechnological processes.  They represent outstanding publications in a new and exciting field.

Current status and future prospects in cannabinoid production through in vitro culture and synthetic biology. 
Hesami M., Pepe M., Baiton A., Jones AMP. (2022)

Potential roles of epigenetic memory on the quality of clonal cannabis plants: Content and Profile of secondary metabolites. Medicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. 1, 1-15. DOI:10.1016/B978-0-323-90036-2.00028-4
Hesami M., Jones AMP. (2022) (Has been accepted but has not been published yet)

Machine learning: its challenges and opportunities in plant system biology. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 106, 3507–3530. DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11963-6 
Hesami, M., Alizadeh, M., Jones, AMP., Torkamaneh, D. (2022)

New Insight into Ornamental Applications of Cannabis: Perspectives and Challenges. Plants. 11, 2383. DOI: 10.3390/plants11182383
Hesami M., Pepe M., Baiton A., Salami SA., Jones AMP. (2022)

Teles Marie (1)

Telesphore Marie is currently completing his Ph.D. project testing a core hypothesis that is outlined in his paper published in Frontiers in 2022. His thesis examines  the importance of deploying supplementary lighting systems, specifically those using LEDs (light-emitting-diodes) to enhance year-round production of two of Canada's major greenhouse, vegetable crops (i.e., tomatoes and cucumbers). In the perspective paper he shows that the time of application of specific light cues such as a shift in spectral quality and intensity can be used to alter crop development patterns. His article significantly extends our understanding of how LEDs systems can be deployed to alter natural circadian rhythms associated with primary metabolism associated with photosynthesis and respiration and further how such cues can be used economically to entrain tomato crop development patterns year-round. 

A Perspective Emphasizing Circadian Rhythm Entrainment to Ensure Sustainable Crop Production in Controlled Environment Agriculture: Dynamic Use of LED Cues
Telesphore R. J. G. Marie1*, Evangelos D. Leonardos1, Jason Lanoue2, Xiuming Hao2, Barry J. Micallef1 and Bernard Grodzinski1

Marco Pepe (2)

These publications represent the development of a system to study plant carbon relationships in plant tissue culture using cannabis and tomatoes as model organisms.  This platform has the capability of quantifying photosynthesis and respiration at the single plant level, which will help conduct high throughput studies on various aspects of plant growth and development.  In his thesis, Marco will use these techniques to further investigate in vitro plant and fungal growth to further our understanding of carbon relationships and establish improved in vitro systems.

A Noninvasive Gas Exchange Method to Test and Model Photosynthetic Proficiency and Growth Rates of In Vitro Plant Cultures: Preliminary Implication for Cannabis sativa L.

Marco Pepe, Evangelos D. Leonardos, Telesphore R. J. G. Marie, Sean T. Kyne, Mohsen Hesami, Andrew Maxwell Phineas Jones * and Bernard Grodzinski

Tissue culture coupled with a gas exchange system offers new perspectives on phenotyping the developmental biology of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. ‘MicroTom’
Marco Pepe*, Telesphore R. J. G. Marie, Evangelos D. Leonardos, Mohsen Hesami, Naheed Rana, Andrew Maxwell Phineas Jones and Bernard Grodzinski

Hannah Symington (2) 

Hannah completed her research on determining the “fit” of acetochlor for weed management in corn, soybean, and dry bean in Ontario. There is an adequate margin of crop safety in Phaseolus vulgaris market classes of dry beans to acetochlor applied preplant incorporated; in contrast, acetochlor causes unacceptable crop injury in azuki beans (Vigna angularis). Acetochlor tankmixes applied preemergence in corn and soybean provide excellent control of multiple-herbicide-resistant waterhemp. Of the Group 15 herbicides evaluated, pyroxasulfone provides the longest residual control of multiple-herbicide-resistant waterhemp.

Confirmation of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor-resistant and 5-way multiple-herbicide-resistant waterhemp in Ontario, Canada. Journal of Agricultural Science. doi:10.5539.
Symington, Hannah E., Nader Soltani, and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Tolerance of four dry bean market classes to flufenacet, acetochlor and S-metolachlor applied preplant incorporated. Weed Technology 36: 419-425.
Symington, Hannah E., Nader Soltani, Allan Kaastra, David C. Hooker, Darren E. Robinson and Peter H. Sikkema. 2022.

Nicole Unterlander (1)

Nicole's thesis studied the link between flavanol catabolism and senescence-related processes in plants. Nicole's recently published an article in Planta that represents the first data chapter from her thesis. As a first author on the paper, most of the experimentation, data analysis and writing of the manuscript was performed by Nicole. The study presents evidence for degradation of flavonol rhamnosides, specifically those of the kaempferol type in ageing leaves of two crucifer family plants Arabidopsis and radish, including during postharvest storage of radish.  Moreover, Nicole established evidence for an enzymatic basis for the catabolism of kaempferol rhamnosides in these plants, which has improved our understanding of the link between flavanol metabolism and senescence in plants.

Kaempferol rhamnoside catabolism in rosette leaves of senescing Arabidopsis and postharvest stored radish
Nicole Unterlander, Lili Mats, Laura C. McGary, Harley O. W. Gordon & Gale G. Bozz

 

2023 Plant Ag Graduate Publishing Prize Winners

Image from left to right: Mohsen Hesami, Marco Pepe, Teles Marie, Dr. Max Jones, Meghan Dilliott, Isabelle Aicklen

These awards are to encourage graduate students to publish their research during the time they are in the graduate program a prize will be awarded to graduate students who publish from their thesis work during the time they are registered in the applicable program as a graduate student.

The prize is monetary ($100) and winners will be recognized on the Departmental Website for each peer-reviewed publication that is derived from the student’s thesis work. A student may win the prize multiple times during their graduate program. These prizes are awarded on an annual basis.

Eligibility for the prize is determined by the Graduate Awards Committee.

The prize can be initiated by the advisor or the student.

To support the prize the students submitted the following:

  1. a copy of the published paper or accepted manuscript (for the latter a copy of correspondence indicating its acceptance)
  2. student must be first author on the manuscript to denote that the student was the major contributor to the manuscript and it will form part of their thesis

Only those papers published from January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022 were considered.