For lentils, the number one priority will be finding improved disease resistance on root rots, particularly aphanomyces and fusarium. With this year’s wet conditions, some lentil crops have been hit with various forms of root rot.

Stuart Lawrence from Rosetown is the Chair of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) Board of Directors. He describes the impact root rots are having on some lentil fields.

For faba beans, breeding priorities include improved yield, maturity, seed size, shape and resistance to lodging. Lawrence believes the crop can find a place in future rotations where root rots are an issue.

SPG will provide a portion of upfront funding for both the lentil and faba bean program, with Alberta Pulse Growers also contributing to the lentil breeding program. Unlike the old agreement, farmers will be responsible for trailing royalties on new seed varieties developed. Lawrence says SPG is taking an investor mindset when it comes to pulse crop research.

Each organization published its own news releases. You can find the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers here and here, while the University of Saskatchewan news release is here.

(Above photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Pulse Growers)