David Hooker

Dr. David Hooker is an Associate Professor and Field Crop Agronomist at the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph, within the Department of Plant Agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Crop Science from the University of Guelph (2000), along with earlier degrees from the same institution and a diploma in Crop and Livestock Management from Ridgetown College (1985). His research focuses on improving corn, soybean, and wheat production through systems-based, hypothesis-driven approaches, emphasizing interactions between genotype, environment, and crop management practices.

Key research interests include field crop agronomy, sustainable production systems, soil fertility, pest management, and collaboration with industry partners like OMAFRA, Grain Farmers of Ontario, and agricultural corporations. He leads projects on long-term tillage trials, nutrient management, cover crops, and mycotoxin reduction in crops. His teaching includes courses on applied plant science, corn/oilseed management, and cropping systems.

Collaborations span academic and industry stakeholders, including Dr. Jocelyn Smith (entomology), Dr. Albert Tenuta (pathology), and Dr. Peter Sikkema (weed science). He advises graduate students on topics such as intensive wheat management, corn rootworm control, and planting date effects. Research partners include Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

His work integrates applied science with extension efforts, aiming to enhance crop efficiency and sustainability. Current projects include the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) in winter wheat, corn hybrid performance evaluations, and fungicide application technologies to mitigate mycotoxins.