The CDCS’s mandate to bring crops from around the world to Alberta to
test their adaptability keeps Dr. Howard busy. Out of their element,
the plants may fall prey to a disease or bring new diseases to the
region. Alberta already grows a large variety of crops; and producers
continually introduce new methods of farming. All of these challenges
offer Dr. Howard fertile ground for research ideas.
Not only does
he discover new plant diseases and find ways to protect crops against
them; Dr. Howard is also an ambassador, sharing his findings with
producers, researchers, extension specialists and academics around the
world. He has written publications and made presentations numbering
over 1,000 in his career, and has advised post-graduate students and
visiting scientists from across Canada and in China.
He also
spearheaded the construction of a new $16-million research greenhouse
facility at CDCS, the most modern in Canada. “We will be able to
conduct leading-edge research as a result of this legacy facility,” he
says.
“I hope my scientific contributions will help produce
healthier food crops for Alberta consumers and beyond,” says Dr.
Howard, who is anticipating retirement. “And hopefully healthy plants
will help to keep Alberta’s crop industry strong and competitive in the
future.”