Dr. Della Johnston

I am responsible for the research conducted at the Harrow and London Research and Development Centres as well as the projects undertaken for the Ontario Development and Technology Transfer Office located in Guelph. I am Science & Technology Branch’s national lead for Horticulture and serve as the federal co-chair for the Horticulture Value Chain Roundtable. I am the Canadian representative PROCINORTE"s Plant Health Task Force and was appointed task force leader for Canada/USA/Mexico.
Current research and/or projects
Responsible for the research conducted at the Harrow and London Research and Development Centres as well as the projects undertaken for the Ontario Development and Technology Transfer Office located in Guelph. AAFC's Science and Technology Branch Director lead for Horticulture - Vegetables and Greenhouses
Research and/or project statements
I have been involved in a wide range of research, scientific evaluation and research management activities in a number of areas including genomics, biotechnology, microbiology and bioproducts and it is this diversity of research activities in agriculture that keeps me passionate about science.
Education and awards
Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario
PhD in Pathology, 2000, Specialization: Parasitology/Molecular Biology
MSc in Pathology, 1994, Specialization: Parasitology/Molecular Biology
College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Ontario
BSc in Biological Sciences, 1991, Specialized Honours: Microbiology
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Instant Award, 2011. Research Branch Strategic & Operational Review Team.
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada’s Gold Harvest Award, 2009. Research Branch Project Approval Team. Recognizes extraordinary achievement by an individual or team which benefits AAFC, its clients and its employees.
International experience and/or work
At the international level, I am actively working on the PROCINORTE Plant Health Task Force and was appointed task force leader for Canada/USA/Mexico.
Key publications
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Bily, A.C., Reid, L.M., Taylor, J.H., Johnston, D., Malouin, C., Burt, A.J., Bakan, B., Regnault-Roger, C., Pauls, K.P., Arnason, J.T., and Philogène, B.J.R. (2003). "Dehydrodimers of ferulic acid in maize grain pericarp and aleurone: Resistance factors to Fusarium graminearum.", Phytopathology, 93(6), pp. 712-719.
2003 - View publication details
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Johnston, D., Chapman, R.A., Massé, D.I., and Topp, E. (2002). "Evaluation of commercial odor control agents for suppressing Escherichia coli in swine manure slurry.", Journal of Environmental Quality, 31(6), pp. 2120-2123.
2002 - View publication details