When you think of synchrotron research, advances in health sciences may come to mind, but the Canadian Light Source on the University of Saskatchewan campus has also defined agricultural science as one of its strategic priorities.

CEO Robert Lamb says Saskatchewan is known for its agriculture so it only makes sense, although it hasn’t been a large focus for synchrotron research until recently.

One of the research projects at the CLS deals with looking inside a watermelon seed. For the first time ever in the world, researchers have been able to identify seeds that aren’t quite right, whether it’s a bacteria infection or something else. Researchers are also working on how to make drought resistant seeds.

The CLS, along with the CHESS synchrotron at Cornell University in the U.S. and the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory have teamed up to organize a conference for agricultural researchers this weekend in Saskatoon. It’s the first of its kind and will showcase leading research using synchrotron technology for agricultural innovation.

(CJWW)