Investment in pulse research, development and breeding has had a direct impact on Saskatchewan growers’ productivity and profitability.
Research Strategy
SPG’s newly launched research and development strategy is focused on solutions to growers’ biggest production barriers.
SPG’s next decade of investment targets five key result areas that focus on increasing yields, increasing demand and market access, developing new pulse crops and varieties, and listening to growers to ensure SPG understands their priorities.
To guide these investments, SPG targets strategies as outlined below while also being guided by the National Pulse Research Strategy.
Increasing Yields & Profitability
Research investments target ways to realize the yield potential of existing pulse crops such as peas and lentils while maintaining profitability by:
- Right genetics in the right place by developing tools to allow growers to identify which varieties to grow in which region of Saskatchewan.
- Enhancing management strategies and developing prediction tools for weed disease and insect issues in pulse crops.
- Protecting and supporting crop health through optimizing nutrient uptake and use.
- Enhancing establishment, competitiveness, production potential, and harvestability for each pulse crop by advancing agronomic practices.
SPG will also be targeting the expansion of the acres of minor pulse crops such as faba beans, chickpeas, soybeans, dry beans, and fenugreek to support long-term rotation sustainability by ensuring there is at least one viable pulse crop for every acre in Saskatchewan.
By 2025:
- Reach average lentil yields of 1,620 pounds per acre.
- Reach average pea yields of 43 bushels per acre.
- 1 million acres of new and minor pulse crops grown in Saskatchewan.
Mitigation of Root Rots
SPG is taking a multifaceted approach to the most challenging diseases, such as root rot. SPG is investing in:
- Breeding genetic resistance to Aphanomyces and other root pathogens.
- Understanding the pathogens present and how they affect various pulse crops.
- Investigating the impact of agronomic practices on management of root rot pathogens and on plant health.
- Identification and evaluation of chemical and biological products for their influence on managing root rot pathogens.
- Developing and enhancing tools to predict and quantify the risk of disease.
Learn more about our collaborative efforts to solve Western Canada’s root rot challenges through the Pulse Root Rot Network.
By 2030: Mitigation of root rot in peas and lentils
Herbicide Tolerance
Growers need help with the management of herbicide resistant weeds. Furthering our commitment to the sustainable production of one of Saskatchewan’s most important pulse crops, SPG will be investing in herbicide tolerance options for lentils.
By 2030: Additional herbicide tolerances for lentils
Pulse Quality Program
The Pulse Quality Program will benchmark the quality of pulses in Saskatchewan by variety and location. Over time it will also benchmark best management practices that influence quality.
By 2030: A pulse quality program that recommends production practices to influence end use quality.
Breeding Investments
Breeding investments focus on priorities for growers to increase profitability while sustaining quality. SPG is targeting investments in multiple breeding programs, both private and public, to drive variety advancements for pulses.
Key areas for breeding are:
- Protein
- Root rot resistance
- Maturity
- Adaptability
- Drought tolerance
By 2030: Breeding investments for crop development
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