The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) has honoured OAC’s Dr. Istvan Rajcan [1], renowned Canadian soybean breeder, with the prestigious Public Sector Impact Award. This accolade recognizes Rajcan's monumental contributions to agricultural science, spanning a career that has reshaped soybean breeding globally.
Since joining the University of Guelph in 1998, Rajcan has pioneered the development of 87 soybean cultivars, including the award-winning OAC Kent. His innovations extend beyond Ontario, influencing soybean cultivation in Quebec, Manitoba, Europe and Asia. Rajcan's expertise is not only evident in his prolific 140 publications but also in his mentorship of 51 graduate students who now lead prominent plant breeding programs worldwide.
Reflecting on his journey, Rajcan highlights the evolution of plant breeding technologies, emphasizing the shift towards data-driven approaches and genomics. His favorite creation, OAC Wallace, named after former Guelph professor Wallace Beversdorf, stands as a testament to his commitment to innovation and impact.
Rajcan stresses the importance of understanding market demands in breeding decisions, a lesson learned from his mentor Vladimir Puskaric. His collaboration with seed companies like SeCan underscores his practical approach, ensuring his cultivars meet both farmer needs and industry standards.