Ontario’s bean sector gets a boost with new U of G faculty in crop science

Her position has been made possible through major support from the Ontario Bean Growers (OBG), whose investment in U of G’s bean research program continues to expand innovation for the province’s growers.

“With the strong backing of the Ontario Bean Growers, we are able to ensure our researchers are working on the issues that matter most to producers and that the University of Guelph remains among the world leaders in this field,” says John Cranfield dean of OAC.

A plant and crop scientist with international and North American research experience, Pabuayon brings a strong field-based research program focused on plant physiology and sustainable crop production systems. Her work aims to improve productivity, quality and efficiency in cropping systems by integrating management practices with new technologies.

“My research approach focuses on the growers and understanding their realities in the field. Their experiences and insights shape my research priorities, and by working collaboratively with growers, industry partners, and scientists across disciplines at the U of G, I focus on delivering results that make it back to the farm, creating a continuous and productive exchange between science and practice,” Dr. Irish Pabuayon.

Her arrival at U of G follows a $2-million gift that includes funding from OBG to support new faculty positions in bean research at OAC. Alongside the recent hiring of Dr. Isabelle Aiklen, OBG professor in weed management at Ridgetown Campus, the two roles are designed to advance research that directly supports Ontario’s bean growers.

“Together, Dr. Pabuayon’s expertise in dry bean agronomy and Dr. Aiklen’s leadership in weed management position Ridgetown Campus as a hub of research and innovation for Ontario’s bean sector,” says Steven Loewen, interim director of U of G’s Ridgetown Campus.

Pabuayon earned her master’s and PhD degrees in plant and soil science from Texas Tech University, where she also served as a postdoctoral research associate. She later joined the Louisiana State University AgCenter’s H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station as an assistant professor of agronomy. Earlier in her career, she completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of the Philippines–Los Baños and worked as a field crop researcher and soil chemist at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.

“I’m excited to join the U of G because of its strong connection to Ontario’s agricultural community and its long-standing leadership in agri-food research,” says Pabuyaon. “The opportunity to work closely with bean growers, scientists, industry partners, and students to address real-world production challenges is what drew me here.”

Loewen emphasized the impact Pabuayon will have beyond her research.

“Dr. Pabuayon brings a proven record of applied research and teaching,” says Loewen. “Her ability to work closely with industry while training the next generation of agricultural leaders will be a major asset to our campus and to the province’s agri-food sector.”

Pabuayon’s hire fills the vacancy created by the retirement of longtime U of G bean researcher Chris Gillard in 2024. She and Aiklen will continue conducting research at the Ontario Crops Research Centre sites in Huron and Ridgetown.

The new faculty appointments were announced in partnership with the University of Guelph on Feb. 24th during the Ontario Bean Growers’ Annual General Meeting.

The Ontario Crops Research Centre is owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario and managed by the University of Guelph through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and U of G.