January 13, 2026 (Saskatoon, Sask.) – Today, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) announced funding for 14 pulse-specific research projects, co-funded through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). SPG’s total investment of over $2.1 million was leveraged through the ADF process, resulting in over $4.69 million invested in pulse research and development. These research projects are one to four years in duration and study pulse crops, including pea, chickpea, lentil, and dry bean. The research will provide tools to help develop disease-resistant varieties and management strategies for fungal and bacterial pathogens, advance breeding techniques targeting herbicide tolerance and climate adaptation, and investigate insecticide resistance in pea aphids. Projects will also explore innovative food applications, such as pulse-based beverages, sustainable protein production, and enhanced ingredient functionality, and will measure Canadian grain sustainability.

A complete list of projects, including lead researchers and SPG’s investment, is below.

  • Development of additional herbicide tolerances in lentils, Dr. Jodi Souter, J4 Agri-Science Limited – $558,440
  • Development of machine learning models for enhancing the quality and performance of Canadian peas and pea ingredients, Dr. Michael Nickerson, University of Saskatchewan (USask) – $376,469
  • Improving testing and selection methods for root rot complexes in lentil, Dr. Syama Chatterton, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) – $211,564
  • Building the grounds for developing climate-smart lentil cultivars, Dr. Ana Vargas, USask – $184,190
  • Tools for Managing Bacterial Blight Diseases of Dry Bean for SK, Dr. Kirstin Bett, USask – $142,610
  • Quantification and genetic basis of pyrethroid insecticide resistance in pea aphids, Dr. Sean Prager, USask – $121,641
  • An integrative approach for double haploid induction to accelerate field pea breeding, Dr. Hai Ying Yuan, National Research Council Canada – $114,150
  • Multi-traits Mapping in Chickpea using Nested Associated Mapping (NAM) Population, Dr. Bunyamin Tar’an, USask – $112,613
  • Integrated Processing of Pulses and Oil Crops for Sustainable Oil-Rich Protein Production, Dr. Martin Reaney, USask – $79,350
  • From pulses to pints: Brewing beer with air-classified starch-rich flours from Canadian pulses, Dr. Yongfeng Ai, USask – $70,668
  • Measuring and Reporting Canadian Grain Sustainability, Susie Miller, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops – $59,500
  • Expanding Chickpea Growing Areas in Saskatchewan, Dr. Bunyamin Tar’an, USask – $55,853
  • Unlocking Chickpea as a Sensory and Nutritional Enhancer in Fermented Beverage Development, Cassy Appelt, 9 Mile Legacy Brewing – $38,500
  • Identifying Resistance to the Biosafety Level 2 Pathogen Fusarium solani in Pulse Crops for Integrated Disease Management, Dr. Ahmed Abdelmagid, AAFC – $15,000

“These research investments reflect our commitment to advancing Saskatchewan’s pulse industry on multiple fronts—from developing disease-resistant varieties and accelerating breeding programs to addressing critical pest challenges like insecticide resistance,” said Winston van Staveren, SPG Chair. “We’re also supporting research into herbicide tolerance in lentils and innovative applications for pulse crops that will expand market opportunities for producers. Through continued collaboration with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and our co-funders, we are building a more resilient and profitable future for pulse growers across the province.”

Other co-funders of SPG-funded projects include Alberta Pulse Growers, Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), and Western Grains Research Foundation. The ADF is supported by the federal-provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which invests 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