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