Sajjad A. Rao BSc, MSc, PhD

• Controlled Environment Agriculture
• Climate Changing Agriculture
• Adaptive Passive solar Greenhouse Technology
• Sustainable Innovations
• Novel Crop Genetics Development
• Crop Diversification
• Technology Commercial Acceptance
• Plant Breeding Agronomy
• Plant Proteins

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:

Project # 1:

Greenhouse in a Box. The innovative project will develop an affordable mini growing unit to operate for small fruit and vegetables production year around. This climate positive "Mini Solar Growing Unit" technology innovation is an outcome resulting from over 8 years of comparative study between different sustainable passive solar greenhouses. Project funded by Canadian Agricultural Partnership grant, a Federal-Provincial initiative, Government of Canada 2023-20238, Research Manitoba and Royal Bank of Canada.

Project # 2:

High Tunnel and Passive Greenhouse Strawberry production for Early Harvest. 2022-2023-Collaborative project of Manitoba Agriculture, Assiniboine Community College and Prairie Fruit Growers Association (PFGA). Funded by -ACC-MB Ag CAP funding cycle form 2023-2028 and PFGA).

Project # 3:

Effect of humic acid and PGRs on yield and fruit quality of strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa) cv. Kent & Wendy, Funded by Prairie Fruit Growers Association (PFGA), Canadian Agricultural Partnership grant, a Federal-Provincial initiative, Government of Canada 2021-2023.

CONTRIBUTIONS:

(Last 10 Years)

• Business of Food Production AGRC-0282
• Crop production Methods AGRC-0278
• Integrated Pest Management AGRC-0094
• Sustainable Greenhouse Technologies AGRC-0287
• Food Systems Applied Research AGRC 0274
• The Food Industry AGRC 0288

Research Papers:

• Singh, P., Rao, S., Bisht, V., and Gonsalves, T. (2023). Direct-seeded versus transplanted onions: Varietal Performance in Canadian Prairies. International Journal of Vegetable Science (under review).
• 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.
• Singh, P. and Rao, S. (2022). Effect of curing methods on Botrytis neck rot disease of onions in the Canadian prairies. Acta Horticulturae. (in press).
• Singh, P. and Rao, S. (2022). Effect of curing methods on Botrytis neck rot disease of onions in the Canadian prairies. Paper presented at VIII International Symposium on Edible Alliums, Pula, Croatia, May 23-25, 2022.
• 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.

Print Media Online Magazine/Print News:

2024 “Warmer summers could mean new plants growing in Manitoba, says horticulturalist- Sajjad Rao | CBC News” May 12 2024

2024 “Advancing horticulture production through research and education”. Greenhouse Canada magazine, January 2024. Page 16-19.

2021 “Warm oasis under glass-photo essay”. The Western Producer, Feb 25, 2021. https://www.producer.com/news/warm-oasis-under-glass-photo-essay/

2021 “Funding boost for sweet potato research”. The Brandon Sun, Thursday March 18, 2021. https://www.brandonsun.com/local/funding-boost-for-sweet-potato-research-574013572.html

2020 “Agricultural research gets a leg up”. Virden Empire-Advance: May 25, 2020. https://www.empireadvance.ca/news/local-news/agricultural-research-gets-a-leg-up-
1.24140216

2020 “MARK MY WORDS: Putting my money on agriculture”: Brandon Sun: May 16 2020

2018 “Gearing up for Prairie sweet potatoes”. Fruit and Vegetable Magazine Canada: March 2018. Volume 74. No. 1. p 18-20.

2017 “Brandon Researcher Testing Commercial Viability of Sweet Potatoes”: by Cory Knutt: Pembina Valley Online: March 25 2017.

2017 “Local roots”. Winnipeg Free Press. Winter Education Guide Dec 7 2017. p 12

2016 “Sweet potato may enter Manitoba rotation”. The Manitoba Cooperator. November 16 2016. Volume 74 No.45. p 18.

2016 “Sweet potatoes showing promise as a Manitoban crop”. The AgriPost Manitoba Canada. Volume 16 Issue 9. p 1-2.

2016 “Sweet potato success for ACC researcher”. The Brandon Sun Local Edition. October 15 2016. p 1-2.

2015 “Greenhouse program to find sustainable options for fresh produce in the North”. MB Agriculture Growing News. Volume 2. p 24.

2015 “Research boost for students”. The Brandon Sun. April 17 2015. A2. p1.

2013 “New wheats in the Prairie pipeline”. The Manitoba Cooperator: April 4 2013 Volume 71 No. 14 p17.

2013 “Farmers to see varietal improvements in several wheat classes”. Alberta Farmer. April 15 2013. Vol 10 No 8. p 25.

E-MEDIA PUBLICATIONS & EXTENTION:

TV Show:

2016 Guest - interview in Here We Grow TV program with Westman Communication Group TV
channel. August 17, 2016.

Radio Talk:

2021 “Sweetpotato in prairie production systems” CBC Radio Noon Canada with Marjorie Dowhos, March 24, 2021. Radio Noon Manitoba with Marjorie Dowhos.

E-Virtual Workshops Video (Education and Extension):

2021 Gardening 101 Series- Microgreens. Prairie Healthy Brandon and the City of Brandon. December 13, 2021 Mountain Health YouTube Channel.

• 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.
• “Rapid recognition award” by Monsanto Inc- Asia pacific on commercial advancement on spring corn hybrid for growers in South Asia corn market. 2006
• “Confidor Accolade” Awarded by Bayer Crop Sciences on developing seed treatment technology for growers, Pakistan: 1996.
• “100-Merit Scholarship Award” (1994-1998) Fauji Foundation Pakistan for pursuing Post- graduates’ studies abroad. Completed PhD at University of Liverpool, England United Kingdom.
• "100-Merit Scholarship Award” (1988-1990) Fauji Foundation Pakistan for pursuing graduate studies in Pakistan. Completes Master in Agriculture at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.