Master of Biotechnology Student Explores Climate-Resilient Crops at Corteva Agriscience

Since May, Master of Biotechnology student Zaina Al-Kachi has been contributing to research aimed at improving plant productivity and resilience, which are becoming increasingly important in a growing, warming world.

“I like working somewhere where you’re actually making an impact,” Zaina says. “Days are getting hotter and hotter, with less rain, and that has a big impact on agriculture. The work we’re doing here is really important.”

As a research assistant at Corteva Agriscience’s research facility in Caledon, Zaina works alongside researchers testing different canola hybrids, as well as sprays and seed treatments, to develop stronger, more productive crops. The company’s research addresses a wide range of challenges facing agriculture, from disease and pests to yield and environmental stress.

Zaina’s responsibilities include watering plants, monitoring their growth, collecting leaf samples for analysis, harvesting and threshing seeds, and cleaning and sorting them for future research. She’s also spent time in Corteva’s fields in the surrounding area, staking plants, sampling leaves and helping with harvest.

Beyond these responsibilities, Zaina also conducted her own research project under the supervision of Corteva researcher Scott McClinchey. She compared different canola hybrids under control and drought conditions to determine which variety is more resilient to water stress.

Drought and extreme weather are growing challenges for agriculture, particularly in the Prairies, where most of Canada’s canola is grown. Research like Zaina’s could help breeders develop canola varieties that are better able to withstand the impacts of a changing climate.

Her placement at Corteva is Zaina’s first experience working in a greenhouse, but it builds on her previous research in a plant-based lab and her experience as a teaching assistant in a botany course. She’s also developing skills in research, data collection, scientific communication, teamwork, and more.

After graduation, she’s considering a career in agriculture and biotechnology, which she’s become interested in thanks to her hands-on experience at Corteva.