Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) and the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) have launched a new collaboration to expand lentil and faba bean breeding in Saskatchewan.
An SPG news release Wednesday said the agreement aims to accelerate the development of stronger-performing pulse varieties. Breeding will take place in Saskatoon, with testing conducted across Saskatchewan and Western Canada.
Lentil breeding priorities include higher yields, improved resistance to Aphanomyces and Fusarium root rots, better resistance to anthracnose and Ascochyta blight, and greater herbicide tolerance. Faba bean work will focus on yield, maturity, seed size and shape, improved plant architecture, reduced lodging and stronger disease resistance.
SPG will provide part of the upfront operating funding for both programs, while Alberta Pulse Growers will also support the lentil program. SPG will help guide breeding priorities to ensure the work reflects farmers’ needs and on-farm challenges.
New varieties will be commercialized through royalties applied to all seeded acres, including those planted with farm-saved seed. Royalty revenue will be shared, with SPG reinvesting its portion in priority research and breeding programs.
The agreement is SPG’s third major breeding collaboration under a new model intended to attract more breeders and investment, encourage competition and provide Saskatchewan producers with greater access to improved pulse varieties.
