The goal of the proposed activity is to increase Alberta pulse production from 5 per cent to 15 per cent of the annual cropped acres (3 million acres), in the next ten years. This activity will APG Research Investment: Production Projects – Cont’d Fusarium root rot symptoms on pea seedlings. 27 Summer 2015 identify superior pulse varieties suitable for Alberta producers.
There are three distinct components to this activity:
- screening new pulse genetics;
- western Canadian pulse co-op testing (field pea and faba bean) voluntary sites;
- regional pulse testing.
This project provides a unique method of screening pea and faba bean genetic material from European (Germany, France, Netherlands) and Western Canadian breeding programs. It is less costly than a full breeding program and allows for more rapid registration of the best germplasm for Alberta growers based on varietal performance in specific growing regions.