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Sir Charles Edward Saunders, Dominion cerealist
1Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Central Experimental Farm, K.W. Neatby Building, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1A0C6, Canada. Morrisonmj@agr.gc.ca
Genome
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Charles Edward Saunders developed the Marquis wheat variety, revolutionizing Canadian agriculture. This early-maturing, high-yield wheat variety facilitated the settlement of the Great Plains and generated significant revenue.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Breeding
- Genetics
Background:
- Charles Edward Saunders, son of Sir William Saunders, pursued science, earning degrees from the University of Toronto and Johns Hopkins University.
- After a brief career in music, Saunders attended a 1902 conference where he learned of Mendel's theories of inheritance and their application to plant breeding.
Discussion:
- Saunders aimed to stabilize bred varieties using phenotypic mass selection, focusing on gluten elasticity and color through a "chewing test."
- He selected seeds from the Markham wheat variety, leading to the development of the Marquis variety.
Key Insights:
- The Marquis wheat variety matured 7-10 days earlier than Red Fife, the standard prairie bread wheat.
- Its exceptional yield and early maturation significantly contributed to the settlement of the Great Plains and Canada's economy.
Outlook:
- By 1923, Marquis wheat dominated spring wheat production in Canada (90%) and the USA (70%).
- Saunders's work as Dominion Cerealist until 1922 had a lasting impact on global agriculture and food security.
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