Alberta Pulse Growers Invest $3 million to Reduce Root Rot Risk

by | Apr 11, 2023 | Agronomy, Funding, Pulse, Research

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission (APG) are investing $3 million over five years for research projects that reduce the risk of root rot, an April 4 news release said.

“APG has invested in root rot research projects since the disease became an issue 10 years ago. This research resulted in more being known about the disease, but root rot remains a threat that we need to mitigate for our farmers,” Shane Strydhorst, APG chair, said in the release.

The release noted APG first learned about pathogen Aphanomyces eutiches in 2013, and it was immediately identified as a serious threat to pulse production in Alberta. Since then APG has invested $3.7 million in projects relevant to root rots, including more than $2 million for projects directly aimed at root rots.

“Significant effort has been made to understand the disease, correctly diagnose it and address the intricacies of the complex interaction between plant, pathogen and environment. Research has resulted in farmers having the knowledge to better assess the risk, but there haven’t been any significant breakthroughs for farmers who want to plant pulses for the crop’s economic and sustainability benefits,” the release said.

The $3 million APG is committing over the next five years has the potential to be amplified by matching from other funding sources, the release noted. APG is encouraging scientists to reach out to them with ideas for potential research projects. APG has partnered with Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers for Pulse Root Rot Network.

Related Articles

Wide Range of Pests, Diseases for 2023 Crops in Alberta

Rotten Roots

UPL AgroSolutions’ Seed Treatment Approved for Aphanomyces Protection

ONLINE PARTNERS

Trending This Week