The Root Rot Task Force

Root rot complex has become the leading production risk to pea and lentil acres in western Canada. It consists of Fusarium spp., Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and the pathogen of most concern, Aphanomyces euteiches. A. euteiches was identified in Alberta and Saskatchewan in early 2010. Since their identification, root rot complex and A. euteiches have led to a rapid decline in pea and lentil acreage, forcing growers to rethink their production strategies.

In 2021, Canada’s provincial pulse grower associations developed a National Pulse Research Strategy to identify priorities and coordinate pulse research nationwide. Controlling root rots in pea and lentil, particularly Aphanomyces and Fusarium spp., was identified as a top priority.

In 2022 the Root Rot Task Force (RRTF) was established, consisting of the three prairie pulse crop commissions, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), Alberta Pulse Growers (APG), and Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG), to coordinate provincial efforts to maintain profitable and sustainable pea and lentil production and eliminate the risk of A. eutieches and root rot complex. Since these three organizations are producer-led and farmers are at the forefront, their voices have become a priority.