September 11, 2024 (Saskatoon, SK) – Today, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), as part of the Root Rot Task Force (RRTF), launched a new website, rootrot.ca, to catalyze a collaborative approach to root rot research and management focused on agronomy, breeding, and pathology in peas and lentils. 

Western Canadian pulse crop commissions, including SPG, Alberta Pulse Growers (APG), and Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG), developed a National Pulse Research Strategy that aligns research priorities and targets coordinating pulse research across Canada. The strategy identified controlling root rots in peas and lentils, particularly Aphanomyces and Fusarium, as the top priorities. 

As root rots are a top priority, this website was developed to allow consistent messaging and increase the collaborative approach to addressing this issue by connecting researchers. This website includes resources, tools, and research to create a central location for growers, agronomists, researchers, and the pulse industry. Rootrot.ca highlights these areas: 

• Agronomy: Provide growers with recommendations and tools for practical on-farm root rot risk assessment and management. 
• Breeding: Work towards the availability of robust genetic resistance to root rot pathogens into the future.
• Pathology: Deepen understanding of biology, pathogenicity, and interactions of root rot pathogens in pulses. 

Root rots significantly impact yields and limit production areas for peas and lentils. Aphanomyces euteiches, Fusarium spp., and other fungal pathogens dominate the root rot complex. Eliminating this risk is essential for profitable and sustainable pea and lentil production in Western Canada. 

“Root disease in peas and lentils is the largest threat to pulse growers in Western Canada. Collaborating with our partners at APG and MPSG will help increase efficiency across all aspects, from sharing information to investing in new research,” said SPG Board Chair Winston van Staveren. 

In addition to the work led by the RRTF, SPG has invested $5.3 million in root rot-related research, which was leveraged to $24 million this year through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Strategic Research Initiative, Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund, and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership AgriScience Program Clusters Component. 

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 and create opportunities 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