Alberta Pulse Growers (APG) selected Dr. Syama Chatterton, who continues to advance root rot management options for pulse farmers, as the winner of the 11^th annual Alberta Pulse Industry Innovator Award.

“Each year, APG recognizes a person or organization whose progressive thinking and tireless efforts helped build Alberta’s pulse industry into the flourishing sector that it is today,” said APG Chair Shane Strydhorst. “Root rot disease affecting peas and lentils remains the largest threat that we need to mitigate for pulse farmers in Western Canada. Producers appreciate Dr. Chatterton’s contributions to root rot management, including identifying the organism causing the disease and advancing management options for root rot and other pulse diseases.”

Alberta pulse farmers and distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate Chatterton and her achievements at an award banquet during recent APG Joint Director-Advisor meetings in Edmonton.

Strydhorst noted that Chatterton’s work has motivated and enabled seed testing labs to offer tests for Aphanomyces to help guide producer decision-making. Her efforts have helped steer future research investment on the Prairies toward Aphanomyces euteiches. APG’s investments include the commitment of $3 million over five years for research projects that reduce the risk of root rot and partnership in rootrot.ca .

“Root rots significantly impact yields and limit production regions for peas and lentils,” Strydhorst said. “Eliminating this risk is essential for profitable and sustainable pea and lentil production in Western Canada. Dr. Chatterton’s accomplishments and continued dedication to mitigating the risk for pulse farmers is highly valued and appreciated.”

Chatterton was nominated for the award by her colleagues, Dr. Haley Catton and Dr. Reem Aboukhaddour. Fellow scientists celebrated Chatterton’s accomplishments in a video that was shown during the ceremony and is available on the APG YouTube channel.

“Tremendous thanks to the Alberta Pulse Growers for this award,” said Chatterton, who is based at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lethbridge Research and Development Centre. “I am honoured to be selected as a recipient, as it is very rewarding to know that the research myself and my team performs has an impact for pulse producers. The opportunities I have to work with pulse producers towards a common goal of enhancing pulse crop production is the most satisfying and worthwhile aspect of my work at AAFC.”

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean, lupin and soybean in Alberta. Our vision is to have pulses on every farm, on every plate.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Peterson, Communications Manager
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 108
rpeterson@albertapulse.com
www.albertapulse.com