News Pulses Research
Sask Pulse Growers provide funding for pair of research projects

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) announced funding for two pulse-related genomic research projects aimed at developing information and tools for breeding better combinations of wheat and lentil varieties in cropping systems and to enhance root rot resistance and drought tolerance in peas.

Co-funded through Genome Canada’s Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative (CSAFS), the investment of more than $1.4 million will be leveraged for a total pulse research and development investment of over $12.8 million. These research projects are each four years in duration. A complete list of projects, including researchers and SPG’s investments, include:

• ACTIVATing genomics to accelerate climate-smart crop delivery, Dr. Kirstin Bett and Dr. Curtis Pozniak, University of Saskatchewan – $6 million
• PEACE (Pea Climate-Efficient): Developing climate-resilient, low carbon footprint field pea as a preferred rotation crop through the inter-disciplinary integration of genomic technologies, Dr. Marcus Samuel, University of Calgary and Dr. Sateesh Kagale, National Research Council, Saskatoon – $6 million

“This research works towards developing tools for lentil breeding as part of Saskatchewan-based rotations and enhancing the development of root rot resistance and stress tolerance in peas utilizing genomics technology,” says Trent Richards, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers board chair. “SPG is happy to support these research initiatives, as they closely align with our research and development strategy.”

These projects will reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems by building their resiliency, environmental sustainability and economic growth potential.

Other funders and supports of these projects include Genome Canada, Genome Alberta, Genome Prairie, Alberta Pulse Growers, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers, Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, Western Grains Research Foundation and Results Driven Agriculture Research (Alberta).

The Agriculture Development Fund is supported through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.