Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) has announced funding for two pulse-related genomic research projects, co-funded through Genome Canada’s Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems initiative (CSAFS).
SPG’s $1.4 million will contribute to the total pulse research and development investment of over $12.8 million for the two, four-year projects that aim to develop information and tools for breeding better combinations of wheat and lentil varieties and to enhance root rot resistance and drought tolerance in peas.
Other funders and supports of these projects include Genome Canada, Genome Alberta, Genome Prairies, 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.
The research projects include:
- ACTIVATing genomics to accelerate climate-smart crop delivery
- Dr. Kristin 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 Sates Kagale, National Research Council, Saskatoon — $6 million
Trent Richards, SPG board chair says these projects will reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems by building their resiliency, environmental sustainability, and economic growth potential.
“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. SPG is happy to support these research initiatives, as they closely align with our research and development strategy,” Richards explains.
