Kyle Hendricks, Senior Research Technician, Plant Pathology
My work focuses on understanding how and why plants fail so we can help them thrive under biotic and abiotic stress.
My research centers on bacteria, fungi, and viruses that impact plant growth and development. I develop methods to culture these organisms, design experiments to challenge plants with disease, and evaluate seeds, pest control products or cultural methods that help plants resist infection, recover from infection, or support best practices.
This work comes together through controlled lab studies and applied trials in the greenhouse and field, where I get to translate research into practical crop protection solutions. Not only do I work alongside my team, but I’m also able to work with all the other programs at Vineland, providing my expertise and support.
The ToBRFV Problem
I was first introduced to plant pathogens during my work as a research technician with Dr. Jonathan Griffiths at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. During this time, I was screening different tomato lines for resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) – some of which was early Vineland material. ToBRFV is a plant virus which causes symptoms in greenhouse tomatoes and peppers and represents the number one threat to the global greenhouse tomato industry. Fast forward a few years later, and I’m working on ToBRFV again in Vineland’s Advanced Pathology Lab, screening offspring from those initial lines, studying novel strategies to make plants more resistant to viruses, as well as investigating how growers can remove this virus from their greenhouse and keep it out. Being able to make a tangible impact on industry and growers is what keeps me inspired.
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Supporting Industry
I have a BSc in Synthetic Biology from Western University, and a MSc in Biology – Physiology and Biochemistry from Western University as well. During my MSc I was able to study methods to detoxify mycotoxins, working with industry partners to bring my discoveries to the market. This was my first introduction to the benefits between public sector research and industry, and how collaborations of this sort can support growers. This is something that Vineland does well, and one of the things that attracted me to Vineland – being able to work closely with industry and develop research that supports growers.
And Outside the Lab?
Outside of work, I’m currently on the Vineland Tamaracks Softball team, playing as a pitcher and outfielder. In addition to this, I’m an avid baker – I’m always in the Kitchen trying out different recipes. My signature dishes include currants roll, pine tarts and chocolate chip cookies. In addition to this, I enjoy getting outside, exploring different places and what they have to offer, as well as trying new sports. This past winter, I was able to learn how to ski in the Ottawa Valley.