The University of Guelph’s Dynasty dark red kidney bean has once again proven why it’s a standout in the agricultural world. Already a favorite among growers in Ontario and beyond for its high yield, disease resistance, and adaptability, Dynasty has now earned the University’s prestigious 2024 Innovation of the Year Award.
This recognition, presented annually by the University’s Office of Research and the Research Innovation Office, highlights innovations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Dynasty isn’t new to the spotlight—it previously earned the Seed of the Year award in 2022.
“At the University of Guelph, we strive to create innovations that benefit both the community and the agri-food sector,” says Dr. Shayan Sharif, interim vice-president of research and innovation. “Dynasty’s success showcases our commitment to research excellence, collaboration, and sustainable agriculture, providing farmers with the tools they need to thrive.”
It’s not the first time Dynasty has won big honours — the bean variety won the Seed of the Year award in 2022.
A Legacy of Excellence in Bean Breeding
Dynasty’s journey began in the early 2000s under the guidance of Dr. Tom Michaels, a U of G researcher who laid the groundwork with a conical cross breeding technique—mixing traits from multiple parent plants to boost genetic diversity. After Michaels’ retirement, Dr. Peter Pauls and research technician Tom Smith continued the program, refining the process and steering Dynasty to commercial success with support from the Ontario Bean Growers and Hensall District Co-operative Inc.
“Hensall Co-op plays an essential role in the supply chain,” says Pauls. “They contract farmers, clean and package the beans, and market them internationally. Ontario Bean Growers support everything from recipe development to funding agronomy, breeding, and nutritional research. These partnerships are vital to Dynasty’s success.”
Developed at the Ontario Crops Research Centre in Elora, Dynasty has not only become a staple for Ontario producers but has also demonstrated its versatility in neighboring Michigan. The bean’s standout feature? A 15% yield increase—well above the standard annual improvement of 1-2%.
Building on Dynasty’s Momentum
Not content to rest on Dynasty’s success, Pauls’ team recently released Gallantry, a new kidney bean variety derived from a Dynasty cross. Gallantry offers a slightly smaller seed size, earlier maturation, and an additional 2.7% yield increase over five years, making it a strong contender for growers in cooler or shorter growing seasons.
“These traits make Gallantry a practical choice for farmers looking for specific advantages, such as reducing the risk of seed cracking during mechanical harvesting,” Pauls explains.
For Pauls, receiving the Innovation of the Year Award is a testament to the collaborative efforts that underpin U of G’s dry bean breeding program. “This award recognizes not just the breeding work, but the entire ecosystem of support and infrastructure that makes these innovations possible,” he says.
The University’s bean breeding efforts are bolstered by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), and the University of Guelph. Together, they’re shaping the future of agriculture and ensuring Ontario remains a leader in sustainable food production.
Dynasty’s story is a prime example of how research, innovation, and partnership can combine to create agricultural solutions that benefit farmers and consumers alike.
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