b'environment, soil type and agronomic management practices, and research has shown even genetically-identical dry pea plants grown in the same year and on the same field produced protein concentrations that ranged from 19.3 to 25.2 per cent. Protein content is also affected by inoculation and fertilizer application. Thats why AF is also working with Alberta Pulse Growers (Zone 3) to determine which agronomic practicesfor example, adding nitrogenbest boost pulse protein. Olson explains while it may seem counter-intuitive to add nitrogen to pulse crops because they fix their own nitrogen, timing N application at anthesis in other crops, such as cereals, does usually increase grain protein. Therefore Olson, Hoy, Bowness Davidson and their colleagues are examining application of the following to Amarillo peas: foliar N (15 pounds per acre and 30 lbs/ac actual N), peat inoculant (1X, 2X, 3X rates), commercial products such as Releaf/42PHI, Foliar Nitrogen/Sulphur applications, ESN, a slow-release coated N (15 lbs/acre actual), urea N (30lbs/acre actual) at seeding, granular inoculant (1X rate), inoculant blend (peat and granular) and commercial products (Magnetar liquid, Magnetar All Out). In addition, a high-protein field pea line developed by D.J. Bing (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) was also included as a treatment in the research trial. Efforts to investigate how growing regions across Western Canada and crop management practices impact protein and starch attributes of pulses are also being undertaken by Pulse Canada, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.More Breeding GoalsPulse Canada has set a goal for 25 per cent of Canadas pulse production to be sold in new use categories such as food ingredients by 2025, and as a member of Pulse Canada, APG shares this goal. APG research manager, Jenn Walker, in a new article for APGs Pulse Crop News, reports expanding the value and usage of pulse crops by having targeted end uses for the starch, fibre and protein components in addition to the traditional markets for whole seed, could push demand for western Canadian pea, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and dry bean crops to new heights. The challenge, however, is to ensure the pulses Canadian farmers grow are bred to provide the precise qualities food companies are looking for, and to ensure they are bothOver the next five years, human consumption of plant-based protein is expected functional in the food manufacturing process and that they tasteto double, says Robyne Bowness Davidson, an Alberta Agriculture and Forestry good, says Walker.pulse research scientist.PHOTO: ROB MCMORRIS PHOTOGRAPHYFall 2019 11'