Sajjad A. Rao BSc, MSc, PhD

• Plant nutritional qualities
• Plant proteins
• Fruit quality and plant health
• Foliar nutrients and soil biological stimulators
• Sustainable greenhouse technology
• New crop genetics
• Local crop production and diversification
• Plant breeding
• Greenhouse technology

Most Significant Contributions:

• (2021): Established and advanced efficient and economical technical growing methodology for producing slips under modified passive solar greenhouse settings that ensure optimum success.
  • Practical Application: Slip production methodology under modified passive solar greenhouse settings will provide Canadian seed businesses/propagators an economically feasible process to grow sweet potato slips commercially in greenhouse systems with modified passive solar settings. Using this methodology, local slip producers can provide a higher quality product for growers, impacting crop success and improve yield resulting in further economic gain. Furthermore, local growers will have added control over the availability and quality of planting material.
• (2019): Established a successful research program in crop diversification by commercializing new and novel genetics “Radiance” sweet potato in Canadian Prairies cropping production systems.
  • Practical Application: In 2020, vegetable growers started sweet potato commercial production started in Manitoba. This research helped local vegetable growers to take advantage of locally developed superior sweet potato varieties, resulting in higher marketable yields.
• (2018): Developed sustainable passive solar greenhouse technology and created a strong link between the sustainable management of natural resources like utilizing solar energy into different forms, to supplement the lighting in a low-tech passive greenhouse model in addition to heating and crop production practices for sufficient and nutritious food to remote communities.
  • Practical Application: The finding from this research is practically applied at Seven Oaks School Division, a new sustainable greenhouse project almost completed; and a sustainable greenhouse project is in place with Nisichawayasihk Cree First Nation, based in Nelson House; and Peguis First Nation. Waywayseecappo First Nation is collaborating with Assiniboine Community College on a new greenhouse project. Research outcomes published in Canadian Journal of Plant Science and Acta Horticulturae.
• (2013): Developed general purpose spring wheat variety “WFT 603” for western Canadian growers.
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency registered #7458. The development of “WFT 603” wheat variety for Canadian Prairies for his crop genetic improvement program, followed by “WFT 1001” a General-Purpose wheat for Canadian Prairies for wheat growers.
  • Practical Application: Western growers are currently growing WFT603 wheat as a value-added variety for their growing conditions, as WFT 603 offers improved Fusarium head blight disease resistance. Rated as “resistant” to leaf and stem rust, with “good resistance” to common bunt, and “intermediate” resistance to loose smut plant diseases.

Ongoing Projects:

• Greenhouse technology studies - Heating, lighting, fertigation and impact on crop production.
• Protective cultivation.
• Greenhouse in a Box.
• Strawberry variety optimization for Manitoba producers.
• Ethnic crop production development.
• Changing the Face of Commercial Sweet Potato Production in Western Canada. In partnership with T&T Seeds Ltd., Winnipeg MB.
  • This project aimed to increase the capacity of local agricultural business and growers by demonstrating an efficient and affordable production system for propagating sweet potato planting material, commonly known as “slips”. This study evaluated the difference in the number of slips produced in two different growing environments and yields in field conditions. In addition, the quality of the slips produced were also assessed on the basis of appearance, length, colour, yield performance in field conditions. The research was carried out in collaboration and engagement of T&T Seeds Ltd. Sweet potato slip produced in a Growth Room System (GRS) was compared with production in a Passive Solar Greenhouse System (PGS). Slip performance and harvest yield was evaluated in field conditions, from slips produced in both systems. Sweet potato variety “Covington” seed roots were used for slip production and yield evaluation.

• Developing an Irrigation Decision Tool for Manitoba’s Commercial Potato Growers. With Dr. Baljeet Singh, partnered with Manitoba Horticulture Productivity Enhancement Centre (MHPEC) Inc., Carberry MB.
  • Accurate irrigation scheduling is crucial for potato farming in Manitoba to mitigate pests and stress-related issues. Potatoes are sensitive to soil water deficits, requiring maintenance of soil moisture levels between 65% and 100% during key growth stages. This study aims to develop a decision support tool by assessing soil moisture and environmental factors, enabling better irrigation scheduling for optimal plant and tuber growth.
• Evaluating High Tunnel and Passive Greenhouse Growing for Early Harvest of Strawberry, partenered with Prairie Fruit Growers Association (PFGA), Altona MB.
  • Producing strawberries using high tunnel technology and passive solar greenhouse to extend growing seasons has a great economic potential for Manitoba producers. However, information on best practises is rather limited. This study will compare the transplant, growth and yield of the June-bearing strawberry variety “Cabot” under both high-tunnel and greenhouse growing conditions. The High Tunnel study will be conducted at the AAFC Portage la Prairie, MB Research Station while the greenhouse work will be completed at the ACC greenhouse facility in Brandon, MB. Planting methodology will be based on research from Utah State. Data will be collected on yield, flavour, winter survival, best plug plant production method, transplant timing, production cycle (annual or multi-year).

• Business of Food Production AGRC-0282
• Crop production Methods AGRC-0278
• Integrated Pest Management AGRC-0094
• Sustainable Greenhouse Technologies AGRC-0287

Research Papers:

• Rao, S.A., Hendricks, B., Gray, A., & Singh, P. (2023). Culinary Treatments Affect Sensory Attributes and Consumer Preference for Sweet Potato Cultivars. Journal of Food Research Volume 12, No. 1. DOI: 10.5539/jfr.v12n1p1
• Rao, S.A., Gonsalves, T., & Singh, P. (2023).Black plastic mulch affects soil temperature and yield of sweet potato under short season temperate climates. International Journal of Vegetable Science Volume 29, Issue 1.
• Rao, S.A. (2022). Impact of planting dates on yield and pod quality traits of snap bean under short-temperate season climates. International Journal of Horticultural Science, 28:57-62. DOI: 10.31421/ijhs/28/2022/11054
• Singh, P., Ahmad, F., Bisht, V., Thakkar, N., Sajjad, S. (2021). Early detection of onion neck rot disease in Manitoba. Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 00: 1-14. DOI: 10.1139/cjps-2021-0064
• Abbey, L., Mintenko, A., Rao, S.A., & Singh, P. (2020). Wintering Index and Yield Traits for Early, Mid, and Late Season Strawberry for Colder Climates. International Journal of Fruit Science. DOI: 10.1080/15538362.2020.1774471
• Rao, S.A. (2019, February). Wintering index and yield traits for early, mid and late season strawberry for colder climates. 9th North American Strawberry Symposium (NASS). Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
• Rao, S.A., Abbey, L. and Khakbazan, M. (2018). Impact of solar energy on greenhouse climate and crop production. Acta Hortic, 1227: 151-158. DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1227.18
• Abbey, L., and Rao, S.A. (2017). Differential response of plant species to greenhouse microclimate created by design technology and ambient conditions. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 98(2): 300-308. Doi.org/10.1139/CJPS-2016-0419.
• Rao, S.A. (2017, August). Impact of -Climate Energy Effect- on greenhouse climate and crop production. International Symposium on New Technologies for Environment Control, Energy-saving and Crop Production in Greenhouse and Plant Factory. Beijing, China.
• Rao, H., Kauser, N., Mirbahar, A. A., Kazmi, S. K., Khan, S., Rao, S.A. (2016). Detection of GM contamination in IRRI-6 variety of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in Pakistan. International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 13(4): 523-527.
• Rao, S.A. (2015, February). Effects of planting dates on yield and postharvest quality of snap bean varieties under Manitoba growing conditions. Direct Farms Marketing Conference. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
• Rao, S.A. and Maxwell, D. (2013). WFT 603-New wheats in the Prairie pipeline. Prairie Grain Development Committee Recommendation, Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye and Triticale. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Manitoba Cooperator, 71(14): 17.
• Abbey, L., Rao, S.A., Hodgins, L.N, and Breit, F. (2012). Drying and rehydration of vermicasts do not affect nutrient bioavailability and seedling growth. American Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization Technology, 3(1):12-21.
• Akram, A., Khan, A.I., Awan, F.S., Rehman, A., Ahmad, F., Malik, A., and Rao, S. (2012) Genetic diversity in Indian Sub-Continental landrace cultivars of the genus Triticum L. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11(44): 10170-10175.
• Muhammad, R.W., Anjum, R., Liaquat, S., Qayyum, A., Malik, W., Murtaza, N., Hussain, M., Ahmed B., Rao, S. A., and Noor, E. (2012). Numerical evaluation of local and exotic maize genotypes in arid conditions. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 10(1): 624-630.
• Sohail, M. I., Rao, S.A, and Javaid, A. (2006). Evaluation of hybrid corn (Zea mays L). International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, 3(2): 391-397.
• Khan, A.A., Rao, S.A, and McNeilly, T. (2003). Assessment of salinity tolerance based upon seedling root growth response functions in maize (Zea mays L). Euphytica, 131(1): 81-89.
• Rao, S.A, and McNeilly, T. (1999). Genetic basis of salt tolerance in maize (Zea mays L). Euphytica, 108(3): 145-150.
• Rao, S.A., Khan, M. A., and Khan, A.A. (1997). Cause and effect relation of yield and yield component in rice. Journal of Genetics and Breeding, 51: 1-5.
• Khan, A.A., Rao, S.A, and Ali, A. (1997). Estimation of genetics components of variation through diallel analysis of cotton fiber and seed properties. Journal of Genetics and Breeding, 51: 143-147.

Presentations:

• Passive Solar Greenhouse Systems for Hydroponic Crop Production. Canadian Hydroponic Association Webinar. Jun. 22, 2023.
• Next Generation Greenhouse Farming. Manitoba Ag Days. Brandon, MB. Jan. 18-20, 2023.
• Sustainable Passive Solar Greenhouses: “A viable option for propagating planting material for colder climate regions.” Brandon University Seminar Series, Nov. 22 and 29, 2022.
• “Hybrid High Tunnel/Passive Solar Greenhouses”, Direct Farmers Market conference. Hybrid High Tunnel/Passive Solar Greenhouses for year round fruit and vegetable production that operates with lower operational management and budgets. February 5, 2022.
• Rao, S. Virtual workshop on Microgreens – as part of our Gardening 101 series; By Prairie Mountain Health and City of Brandon; December 16, 2021
• NAMAL Institute Agribusiness Seminar - Advancing Agriculture to Agri-Business Learning and Innovation, October 12, 2021.

2022: Enhancing Local Production Capacity for Propagating Commercial Sweet Potato Planting Material Through Improved Greenhouse Systems - T&T Seeds Ltd., Winnipeg Manitoba.

• Member, Board of Studies, Namal University, Mianwali, Pakistan (2022–Present)
• Member, Program Advisory Committee ACC Canada (2012–Present)
• Member, Horticulture School Planning Committee, Manitoba Agriculture, Canada (2014–Present)
• Research Advisor, Prairie Fruit Growers Association, Canada, (2013–Present)
• Advisor, R&D, Plant Breeding; Ag Quest Inc. Minto Canada, (2012–Present)
• Board Member, Brandon Food Council, City of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada (2019–Present)
• Member, Agronomy Team, Prairie Grain Development Committee, Canada (2010–Present)
• Director-Board Member, Ontario Institute of Agrologists (2009–Present)

• “Stellar Award-Teaching Excellence” by Assiniboine Community College in recognition of individual and collective efforts, and demonstrable success, in teaching through the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020/21 academic year.
• “Excellence Education Award” by Assiniboine Community College Alumni Association, Brandon Manitoba, Canada: 2020.