The Art of Plant Tissue Culture: OAC Alumnus Kevin Piunno

Kevin Piunno's path to becoming the lab manager at Roeland Farms, overseeing a cutting-edge tissue culture lab for indoor strawberry cultivation, is a testament to his passion for plants and horticulture.

Before delving into the intricacies of tissue culture, Kevin's journey began in a vastly different field in web design at TMU. His artistic explorations soon intersected with his interest in plants, which led him to switch gears and pursue his newfound interest more deeply, applying to the Plant Science program at the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph. At U of G, he completed both his undergraduate and master’s degree and immersed himself in the science of plants, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. 

“Plant science combines a lot of different applied fields and it’s fun to be able to see (and sometimes eat) your results,” says Piunno.

His experience as a research assistant in Professor Max Jones’s lab and his involvement with the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP) ignited his interest for tissue culture research – a method of plant propagation that involves cloning plants rather than traditional seed planting.

Today, Kevin Piunno stands at the helm of Roeland Farms' tissue culture lab, where he spearheads the growth of 200,000 strawberries as part of a pilot program for the budding Ontario greenhouse strawberry industry. His role is not just about cultivation; it's about pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology. Tissue culture not only enhances efficiency but also ensures the production of disease-free plants, revolutionizing how strawberries are grown indoors.

“Sustainable agriculture relies on innovative techniques like tissue culture,” says Piunno. “The technology we use is also instrumental in genetic editing, clean plant material programs, and as a powerful tool for studying intricate aspects of plant biology.”

At U of G, Piunno appreciated both the academic and non-academic experiences he had at U of G. 

“Really, the highlight of my U of G experience was my last year of my undergraduate program, and the following years in graduate school. Most of the stress was behind me, and I got into a rhythm. It was fun!”

Thanks to the University of Guelph's Research Innovation Office, during his master’s studies, Kevin launched WeVitro, a startup specializing in advancing tissue culture technologies. Despite the hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin's entrepreneurial drive and commitment enabled him to effectively sell the company, demonstrating his adaptability and business savvy.

Kevin's journey from a web developer to a pioneering figure in horticulture underscores the diverse paths one can take within the agricultural sciences. As he continues to innovate and inspire, Kevin Piunno remains a shining example of the transformative power of following one's passion in the pursuit of agricultural excellence.