USask researcher honoured with top pulse crop award

The award is presented annually to an individual, company or organization that has made significant contribution to Canada’s pulse and special crops industry.

Warkentin is a renowned plant breeder at the Crop Development Centre (CDC) within the USask’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

He leads the Field Pea and Soybean Crop Breeding and Genetics program as the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair. His research is centered on developing high-performing pea and soybean cultivars tailored for Western Canada and northern U.S. regions.

With a strong foundation in both conventional and genomic breeding techniques, Warkentin aims to enhance crop resilience, disease resistance, and end-use quality. His work is instrumental in meeting the evolving needs of the agricultural sector, particularly as demand for plant-based protein continues to rise globally. Through his breeding efforts, he ensures that farmers have access to varieties that are not only productive but aligned with industry standards for food processing and nutrition.

A key focus of Warkentin’s research is increasing protein concentration in field peas, a trait that is vital for the expanding plant-based food industry. As peas become more common in products like meat alternatives, protein drinks, and sports supplements, his work supports both the efficiency of protein extraction and the nutritional value of these products.

His breeding program also addresses major agronomic challenges, such as root rot in peas—a disease that significantly affects crop yields in Western Canada.