New website launched to support root rot mitigation in pulses

Alberta Pulse Growers (APG), as part of the Root Rot Task Force, today launched rootrot.ca to catalyze a collaborative approach to root rot research and management focused on agronomy, breeding and pathology in peas and lentils.

“Root disease in peas and lentils remains the largest threat that we need to mitigate for farmers in Western Canada,” said APG Chair Shane Strydhorst. “Partnering with Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) increases efficiency in sharing information and investing in new research.”

APG, MPSG and SPG developed a National Pulse Research Strategy that aligns research priorities and targets coordinating pulse research across Canada. The strategy identified controlling root rot in peas and lentils, particularly Aphanomyces and Fusarium, as the top priorities.

As root rot is a top priority, the new website was developed to allow consistent messaging and increase the collaborative approach to addressing this issue by connecting researchers. This website includes resources, tools, and research to create a central location for growers, agronomists, researchers, and the pulse industry. Rootrot.ca highlights the following areas.

• Agronomy: Provide growers with recommendations and tools for practical on-farm root rot risk assessment and management.
• Breeding: Work towards the availability of robust genetic resistance to root rot pathogens into the future.
• Pathology: Deepen understanding of biology, pathogenicity, and interactions of root rot pathogens in pulses.

Root rots significantly impact yields and limit production regions for peas and lentils. Aphanomyces euteiches, Fusarium spp., and other fungal pathogens dominate the root rot complex. Eliminating this risk is essential for profitable and sustainable pea and lentil production in Western Canada.

In addition to the work led by the Root Rot Task Force, APG has earmarked $3 million for leveraging future funding collaborations locally, nationally and internationally.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 5,400 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta. APG’s vision is Pulses on every farm, on every plate.