APG Commits Funding to Genomic Project to Reduce Carbon Footprint & Root Rot Risk

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) is investing $500,000 into a research initiative that will address several challenges to growing pulses, especially the risk of root rot, which continues to be a major issue for Alberta pea and lentil farmers.

“This research initiative will be instrumental in addressing a number of the challenges facing pulse growers in the province especially root rot complex,” said APG Chair Shane Strydhorst. “This investment supports the board’s strategic targets for supporting root rot research which has set a bold goal of eradicating the risk that root diseases pose to pulse crops in Alberta and western Canada.”

APG’s $500,000 investment will leverage $6 million for the PEACE (Pea Climate-Efficient) project, which will develop climate-resilient, low carbon footprint field pea as a preferred rotation crop through the inter-disciplinary integration of genomic technologies. The research will be conducted by Dr. Marcus Samuel, University of Calgary, and Dr. Sateesh Kagale, National Research Council, Saskatoon. This four-year project will reduce the carbon footprint of Canada’s food production systems by building their resiliency, environmental sustainability, and economic growth potential.