Prof. David Wolyn, Department of Plant Agriculture, is the University of Guelph’s Innovation of the Year award winner for 2019.
Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research), presented the award to Wolyn for his leadership in the breeding and development of asparagus varieties that have become the most popular kinds grown in North America and that are fast gaining favour in Europe and Asia. Many believe the varieties saved the asparagus industry in North America.
“Dave has made incredible contributions to the creation of new varieties of asparagus that have had a profound impact on the industry and on the plates of consumers for decades,” said Campbell. “He is incredibly deserving of this award.”
Since the late 1980s, Wolyn has focused on producing hardy asparagus for colder northern winters to improve yield, quality and disease resistance. Production of Ontario’s crop has improved considerably in recent decades due largely to his work.
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