Pulse Science Cluster: Year 1 Update

The Pulse Science Cluster ("the Cluster") is a cost-shared initiative under the federal government’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Through the Cluster, research is funded that aims to advance the profitability and resilience of pulse growers by addressing key challenges in pulse production and developing new variety options.

In 2023, Canada's pulse sector committed over $10.4 million toward cluster projects. With the federal government providing an additional $11 million, the Cluster will inject $21.4 million into research projects through to 2028. We recently wrapped up Year 1 of the pulse research projects. All but one research project was able to begin in our first year, with all expected to achieve their projected targets by the end of the 5-year agreement.

Research investments such as these will help increase the long-term viability of Canada’s pulse sector. By addressing longstanding issues, the Cluster aims to better equip growers to get a higher return on pulse crops from the marketplace and help advance Canada’s reputation as a stable supplier of world-class pulses and pulse ingredients.

Over 5 years, the Cluster aims to:

• Help industry achieve goals associated with development of pulse varieties resistant to disease and resilient to environmental stress.

• Develop new varieties to improve production efficiency, protein yield and profitability.

• Develop new management practices for reduced fertilizer or fungicide applications.
  

The Cluster received official approval at the end of June 2023 for 12 research activities, but included some modifications to projects that required additional industry review before agreements could be signed in late 2023.

Projects are currently being carried out by leading researchers from across Canada and all projects are on track to complete their original objectives by 2028. Growers and the broader industry will be kept up to date with project results as they become available.

For more information on projects in the Pulse Science Cluster, check out the profiles and links below. If you have any questions about the Pulse Science Cluster, please feel free to reach out to me at hcarriere@pulsecanada.com.

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CLUSTER PROJECT HIGHLIGHT:

Soil Testing & Biocontrol Agents for Root Rot in Pea and Lentil

Principal Investigator: Dr. Syama Chatterton, AAFC

Industry Funders: Alberta Pulse Growers, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers

Project Cost: $2,360,346

In fields that have existing high levels of root rot pathogens, new plantings of a pea or lentil crop will result in early root rot infestation and yield loss. Dr. Chatterton’s research aims to equip farmers with the ability to make more informed crop-rotation decisions.

Field trials will test new biocontrol agents that can help mitigate root rot in peas and lentils. Presently, seed treatments are being used, but they do not provide protection past the seedling stage. Pulse growers need access to products that are more effective than available seed treatments. “By colonizing the roots,” says Dr. Chatterton, “biocontrol agents could offer season-long protection from root rot.”

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CLUSTER PROJECT HIGHLIGHT:

Root Rot Pathogens and Imaging for Dry Bean

Principal Investigator: Dr. Owen Wally, AAFC

Industry Funders: Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers, Ontario Bean Growers

Project Cost: $592,496

By studying the pathogens that infect dry beans in Canada’s various growing areas, Dr. Owen Wally, Research Scientist of Field Crop Pathology at AAFC Harrow will determine which pathogens impact production the most. This will allow growers to focus their agronomic efforts on the highest-risk pathogens, and hopefully increase their yields and revenue.

Dr. Wally is also optimizing techniques for the screening of dry bean varieties for tolerance to root rot pathogens, both indoors and outdoors, allowing for quicker risk assessments. In the field, researchers will be using drones to capture optical and thermal images to better assess root rot risk.

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MORE PROJECTS:

Read more about Cluster projects related to pulse research, root rot and agronomy tools >

Read more about Cluster projects related to pulse breeding and genetics >