By Alice McFarlane

Retired weed scientist and agronomist honoured by pulse growers

Jan 13, 2024 | 8:57 AM

A pulse industry champion has been recognized by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG).

Eric Johnson, a retired weed scientist and agronomist, was named the recipient of the Pulse Promoter Award at the SPG annual meeting in Saskatoon.

His career began in 1982 as an Extension Agrologist and Soils and Crop Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, where he assisted producers in transitioning to zero-tillage and rotational pulse crops.

Johnson moved to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Farm at Scott where he screened potential herbicides for pulse crops, which led to 130 minor use registrations across a variety of crops. He also led research on non-chemical weed management in pulses, including mechanical weed control.

He joined the Department of Plant Science at the University of Saskatchewan where he assisted in conducting field research for SPG-funded weed control projects led by Dr. Willenborg. He joined Dr. Shirtliffe’s Agronomic Crop Imaging Lab where he led projects evaluating trifludomoxazin for weed control, as well as integrated management of broadleaf weeds in pulses.

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Johnson retired in March 2023 after co-authoring 140 publications, years of mentoring younger agronomists, and a reputation for exemplary collaboration among researchers and scientists.

He said he was happy to accept the award and it was an honour.

“I have enjoyed a career in weed science and pulse crop agronomy and am thankful to everyone I collaborated with over the years. I am curious to see how weed control evolves in the future for this industry,” Johnson said. “The development of new chemistries for pulse crops is desirable but challenging, and future developments in precision application and alternative integrated strategies may be partial solutions.”

SPG Chair Trent Richards said the organization was pleased to recognize Johnson’s contributions to the pulse industry in Saskatchewan.

“His legacy has left a significant impact on agronomists and pulse growers, who have benefited from his research and project outcomes,” Richards said.

The Pulse Promoter Award is presented yearly to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Saskatchewan’s pulse industry in the areas of production, marketing, promotion, research, extension, processing, management, and innovation.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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