USask Crop Development Centre announces new lentil and faba bean breeding agreements

This partnership will expand breeding capacity and support the development of high-performing pulse crop varieties for producers.

Led by the CDC, the breeding programs will focus on improving yield and disease resistance in lentil and faba bean crops. Breeding will take place in Saskatoon, supported by field testing across Saskatchewan and Western Canada.

For lentil crops, priorities include improved disease resistance to root rot (Aphanomyces and Fusarium) foliar diseases including Anthracnose, Ascochyta blight, along with herbicide tolerance, particularly to Group 5 and 14.

For faba bean crops, priorities include improved yield, maturity, seed size and shape, along with better disease resistance and improved plant architecture (lodging resistance).

“The CDC breeding programs have had a significant impact on lentil and faba bean production on the Prairies,” said Dr. Curtis Pozniak (PhD), director of the CDC. “More than 95 per cent of the lentil and fababean acreage on the Canadian Prairies is planted to a CDC variety, generating billions of dollars in value to western Canadian growers. This renewed partnership with SPG will further strengthen pulse breeding and accelerate the development of new, high performing varieties that meet the evolving needs of farmers.”

SPG is providing a portion of upfront operational funding for both the lentil and faba bean programs, with Alberta Pulse Growers also contributing to the lentil breeding program.

Through this collaboration, SPG will provide input on breeding priorities to help ensure producer needs and on-farm challenges inform program objectives.

“This new collaboration with CDC marks a renewed path forward in lentil and faba bean breeding for the benefit of Saskatchewan producers,” said Stuart Lawrence, chair of SPG Board of Directors. “Having farmers at the table to provide direction to the program will result in new and better varieties in the hands of producers, tackling their greatest challenges.”

CDC’s strong history of pulse breeding dates back to 1978, when the Laird lentil was first released in Canada. Since then, hundreds of CDC pulse varieties have been developed and released.

About the CDC:

The Crop Development Centre is Canada’s engine for seed development, integrating research, breeding, testing, training and commercialization into one continuous system. Established in 1971 within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, the CDC carries discovery through to performance and proves it in the field. The CDC turns momentum into impact through the continuous advancement of Canadian seed.

About SPG:

Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a nine-member, grower-elected Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.