One of SPG’s main priorities is increasing the yields and profitability of Saskatchewan-grown pulse crops. One way that SPG works to accomplish this is through the Right Genetics, Right Place initiative, a research strategy that aims to equip growers with the tools and scientific data to make the best crop and variety choices for their regions and farms, matching the right genetics to regional environments with data to back it up.
The initiative also aims to encourage the timely adoption of newer pulse varieties that offer benefits in yield, agronomic traits, and marketability. This helps us maintain Saskatchewan’s position as a top supplier of high-quality, reliable pulses worldwide.
Regional Variety Trials
Each year, SPG conducts regional variety trials for pulses across the province. These trials aim to facilitate an unbiased, statistically sound, and transparent variety testing system and make the results accessible and easily available to pulse growers. The longer-term goal of this project is to generate long-term performance data for each Saskatchewan pulse crop variety, from which to develop models to predict which pulse varieties will perform best in different regions of the province.
Events & Learning Opportunities
The results of our annual pulse variety trials are made available to Saskatchewan growers through various methods.
- Pulse Variety Seminar: This online event, held every winter, informs growers, agronomists, and the seed industry about new and upcoming pulse varieties based on the most recent trial data and breeding program developments. This event includes additional topics such as breeding for disease resistance, best management strategies, updates on regulatory changes, the Pulse Quality Program, and more.
- SPG builds relationships with Seed Growers and supports pulse variety commercialization by offering an online webinar exploring new and upcoming pulse varieties, breeding for Aphanomyces resistance, best management strategies, guidance to growers for low vicine/convicine (LVC) platform and closed-loop production of faba beans, results of the Pulse Quality Program, etc. The webinar will include external presenters. The audience will include all stakeholders, including seed growers, pulse growers, agronomists, and the seed industry.
- Pulse Variety Showcase(s): Held at different pulse-growing locations across the province annually, including throughout AgriARM sites, the showcase(s) aims to show growers and agronomists new and upcoming pulse varieties available in regionally relevant locations. These demonstrations allow growers to see the advantages of certain pulse varieties and compare newer and older pulse varieties side-by-side. These demonstrations aim to equip growers with the knowledge to make the best decisions for their farms.
Resources
Advocacy for the Development of Pulse Varieties
SPG is committed to continually advocating on behalf of growers on issues related to Canada’s capacity to develop innovative and competitive new pulse varieties for Saskatchewan growers to ensure we remain a leading supplier of pulse crops to the world.
SPG is also committed to ensuring Saskatchewan-grown pulse varieties meet grower standards for agronomic traits and profitability and continually meet global standards for safety, quality, and evolving end-use requirements. SPG will continue our work in this area to ensure that every Saskatchewan pulse grower has the information and tools they need to choose the best crop type and variety for their farms’ needs and global markets.
Pulse Varieties
Search and view our comprehensive database of information about currently available Canadian pulse varieties.
Latest New Pulse Varieties
View comprehensive information about the benefits of some of the newest varieties of small red lentils, yellow peas, green peas, and Kabuli chickpeas.