Research spotlight: Eastern Canadian Plant Phenotyping Platform
The Eastern Canadian Plant Phenotyping (ECP3) Platform is a collaborative initiative between ۲ݮƵ University and Université de Sherbrooke which aims to develop new crop cultivars and precision agricultural tools and management practices adapted to climate change in Eastern Canada.
With new infrastructure and tools made possible by a grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the ECP3 will enable researchers to accelerate the translation of plant research discoveries into applied solutions used by Canadian producers and position Canada as a global leader in the adaptation of agricultural production to rapid climate change.
“Finding sustainable solutions to agricultural issues requires intentional and purposeful collaboration among leading researchers in the field.”
Professor Anja Geitmann, Canada Research Chair in Biomechanics of Plant Development and lead applicant on the ECP3 project
Emile A. Lods Agronomy Research Centre
This site provides environmental conditions that are representative of the most intensive horticultural and field crop production areas in the region, yet it is in a semi-urban area, with ready access to two major highways and public transit. The facility is thus ideally situated to serve a large pool of researchers in agricultural science, environmental science, plant biology and engineering. This infrastructure consists of research land, buildings and specialized equipment. Recent renovations and equipment purchases have been designed specifically to improve our capacity to host a larger number of external users.
The equipment includes a global positioning system, a no-till seeder, plot combine, forage harvester, tractors, trucks, a near-infrared reflectance instrument and a photosynthesis system. The GIS database of the facility includes grid soil sampling for nutrient levels, weed survey, topographic survey, and geo-referenced mapping of field layouts and buildings. The facility also has access to data on air pollutants and maintains continuous monitoring of air and soil temperatures, relative humidity, and more.
Horticulture Research Centre
The Horticulture Research Centre consists of orchards, vegetable research plots, fruit grading equipment, cold rooms as well as various specialized field equipment. It is used for graduate and undergraduate research and teaching activities, always promoting environmental stewardship.
Through the Sustainability Projects Research (SPF) Fund, the centre has installed rainwater collection systems, instigated a large-scale composting program to reduce the need for fertilizer on the farm and revitalized the Macdonald Campus orchard. With the ۲ݮƵ Feeding ۲ݮƵ project, it has become the University's primary supplier of high-quality seasonal produce. It also houses SPF research on extending the growing season.
The centre provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the production, management and marketing of horticultural crops.