Pulse Weed Control Program Request for Letters of Intent

Feb 01, 2024

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) recognizes the challenges that Saskatchewan’s pulse producers face with weed control in pulse crops (pea, lentil, chickpea, soybean, faba bean, dry bean, fenugreek) and is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for inclusion in a comprehensive pulse weed control program that will look to address these concerns. Eric Johnson (contact information below) is coordinating the development of the Pulse Weed Control Program application and is accepting LOIs up until February 16th, 2024.

SPG is inviting collaborative, multi-disciplinary, cross-institutional research teams to submit projects for the Pulse Weed Control Program with proposed projects to cover a variety of aspects of weed management in pulses including but not limited to the following research topics:

Integrated weed management strategies for a variety of weeds with a strong focus on kochia.
Screening of potential herbicides for use in pulses.
Reducing weed seed banks and weed seed recruitment.
Herbicide resistance management: Develop strategies for minimizing development of herbicide resistant weeds, as well as develop management strategies for addressing existing herbicide resistance issues.
Crop improvement for herbicide tolerance: varietal differences, herbicide tolerance traits.
Screening of weeds for host potential and inoculum levels of Fusarium spp. and Aphanomyces euteiches.
Mechanical and equipment innovations for weed seed and seedbank control.

Proposals must have strong justification of the work proposed and demonstrate how it will build on current knowledge, fill existing knowledge gaps, and provide practical solutions that Saskatchewan’s pulse industry can adopt in advancing pulse weed control.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.