January 15, 2025 (Saskatoon, SK) – Today, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) announced funding for 19 pulse-specific research projects, co-funded through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). SPG’s total investment of over $2.3 million was leveraged through the ADF process for a total investment in pulse research and development of over $5.9 million. These research projects are two to four years in duration and study pulse crops, including pea, chickpea, and lentil. The research will evaluate new tools for integrated pest management of insects and diseases in pulses, mitigation strategies for root rot, and nutrient uptake in chickpeas, as well as address improving pulse flours, developing pea-based beverages, new uses for pulse starches, and optimizing on-farm research.
A complete list of projects, including researchers and SPG’s investment, can be seen below.
- Rapid introgression of aphid resistance into pea elite cultivars, Dr. Tom Warkentin, University of Saskatchewan (USask) – $86,045
- Integrating susceptibility genes to develop durable resistance against root rot pathogens in peas, Dr. Sateesh Kagale, National Research Council Canada – $68,170
- Evaluating clean granular technology in Prairie cropping systems, Dr. Dave Greenshields, Insight Plant Health Corp. – $51,175
- Digging deeper into chickpea root rot issues, Dr. Sabine Banniza, USask – $77,618
- Fusarium avenaceum mycotoxins and virulence factors in cereal and pulse disease – towards improved mitigation strategies, Dr. Nora Foroud, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) – $226,050
- Forecasting the impacts of pest insects on Canadian Prairie crops to generate integrated pest management support tools, Dr. Tyler Wist, AAFC – $53,367
- Developing dsRNA-based fungicides to control Ascochyta Blight in pulses, Dr. Steve Robinson, AAFC – $247,500
- Prairie invasive pigweed biovigilance, Dr. Shaun Sharpe, AAFC – $58,351
- Exploring the role(s) of pin and spiral nematodes in the emerging chickpea disease in Saskatchewan, Dr. Michelle Hubbard, AAFC – $94,907
- Revealing nutrient uptake and biomass development patterns in chickpea cultivars, Dr. Jeff Schoenau, USask – $37,116
- Cost-effective and high-performance atmospheric cold plasma technology for wheat, canola, and lentil, Dr. Oon-Doo Baik, USask – $157,550
- A sustainable future for the Saskatchewan Soil Information System (SKSIS), Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn, USask – $22,666
- Enzymatic modification and ultrasonication to improve functionality, nutritional quality, and flavour of starch-rich pulse flours, Dr. Yongfeng Ai, USask – $171,350
- A pea-based beverage for improving bone health, Dr. Philip Chilibeck, USask – $172,500
- Novel hydrothermal method to develop functional low-glycemic food ingredients and encapsulant from pea starch, Dr. Yongfeng Ai, USask – $166,175
- Small molecule inhibitors of Fusarium avenaceum virulence factors as new fungicide active ingredients, Dr. Krista Gill, AAFC – $187,400
- Developing and validation of thresholds for lygus in lentils in Saskatchewan, Dr. Sean Prager, USask – $189,175
- Plots Without Borders: Optimizing methodology to conduct on-farm research, Dr. Steven Shirtliffe, USask – $120,559
- Processing peas to maximize nutritional benefits and minimize risks from contaminants, Dr. Sheryl Tittlemier, Canadian Grain Commission – $184,000
“Our latest research investments target key challenges faced by pulse producers, covering challenges such as chickpea disease and root rot, as well as finding new solutions for pest management and pulse processing,” said Winston van Staveren, SPG Chair. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and our co-funders, and we are eager to see how these projects will drive greater profitability and competitiveness for Saskatchewan growers.”
Other co-funders of projects funded by SPG include Alberta Pulse Growers, Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission, Saskatchewan Oilseeds Development Commission, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, and Western Grains Research Foundation. The ADF is supported through the federal-provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership between the federal and provincial governments to invest in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture.
Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a nine-member, grower-elected Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Carlson
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-0116
Email: acarlson@saskpulse.com
Amber Johnson
Director of Marketing and Communications
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Phone: 306-668-3668
Email: ajohnson@saskpulse.com