Carrot Research Professor

Dr. Lada Rajasekaranan, a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Toronto will join the Nova Scotia Agricultural College as research professor in carrot processing effective Feb. 16.

Dr. Rajasekaranan, who has extensive experience with vegetable crops, production and research, will work closely with the Carrot Research Advisory Committee on such priorities as soil conservation, variety evaluation, insect and disease management, harvest and post-harvest technology. Representatives for producers, processors, government and the NSAC comprise this advisory committee.

"We have searched long and hard for the right scientist to fill this position," said Dr. Ted Burnside, vice principal academic at the college. "And we are convinced that Dr. Rajasekaranan will be more than equal to the challenge of establishing a strong research program."

David Sangster, director of the Production Technology Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Marketing and chair of the Carrot Research Advisory Committee, expressed satisfaction with this form of support for the carrot industry.

"Nova Scotia is now the largest producer of processed carrots in the country and carrots represent the second largest vegetable crop in the province, next to potatoes," said Mr. Sangster. "Carrots also have a market value of close to ten million dollars, two-thirds of which are grown for the processing market."

A three-year commitment of $75,000 from Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd., matched by the Department of Agriculture and Marketing, has enabled the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to establish this research position in the Department of Plant Science.

"We are pleased to contribute to the establishment of this position," said John Bragg of Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd. "Research leading to the solution of production problems will help the industry grow and prosper."