Dynasty bean wins innovation of the year

Dynasty bean awarded U of G innovation of the year

Dynasty, a dark red kidney bean developed by the University of Guelph, has earned the 2024 Innovation of the Year award. This high-yield, disease-resistant variety has become a top choice for growers in Ontario and North America due to its adaptability and strong performance.  

The award, presented by the University’s Office of Research and the Research Innovation, recognizes innovations that positively impact communities and industries. 

“At the University of Guelph, we develop innovations that benefit both our communities and the agri-food industry,” says Dr. Shayan Sharif, interim vice-president (research and innovation).“The success of Dynasty reflects our commitment to research excellence and collaboration, bringing high-yield, disease-resistant crops to market while supporting farmers and advancing sustainable agriculture.” 

Dynasty was developed by Dr. Peter Pauls, a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the Ontario Agricultural College, along with research technician Tom Smith. The project began in the early 2000s with retired researcher Dr. Tom Michaels, who initiated the cross that led to Dynasty.  

After Michaels’ left the University, Pauls took over the dry bean breeding program and, with support from Ontario Bean Growers and Hensall District Co-operative Inc., brought Dynasty to market. 

Hensall Co-op has played a vital role in the success of Dynasty, contracting farmers, packaging the beans, and marketing them internationally. The collaboration with Ontario Bean Growers has also been essential in promoting bean consumption and supporting research initiatives. 

Developed at the Ontario Crops Research Centre in Elora, Dynasty was initially created for Ontario producers but has shown impressive adaptability in Michigan as well. The beans resulted from a complex breeding process that increased genetic diversity, leading to a 15% yield improvement. 

Pauls and his team have also released a new variety, Gallantry, derived from a Dynasty cross. Gallantry matures a day earlier and offers an additional 2.7% yield improvement, making it suitable for cooler or shorter-season regions. 

Receiving the Innovation of the Year award recognizes the collective efforts of the research team, partnerships, and infrastructure that made Dynasty’s success possible. 

Photo: Dr. Peter Pauls and research technician Tom Smith with Dynasty kidney beans. 

Photo Credit: University of Guelph