Tom Fetch – Honorary Life Award Recipient 2020

For research scientist Tom Fetch, it’s all about discovering new things.

Recognized as a world authority on virulence in populations of Puccinia graminis (stem rust of wheat, barley and oat), and stem rust resistance genetics in wheat, barley and oat, Tom has identified several new stem rust resistance genes and their genetics of inheritance.

“Nothing gives me a greater thrill than finding a source of resistance no one has seen before,” he says.
His current projects include identifying Barberry species in South America and their associated rust species; tracking the movement and virulence changes in Ug99 stem rust; characterizing the virulence spectrum in Canadian populations of Puccinia graminis; and barley, oat and wheat cultivar development.