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

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.

We had some much needed precipitation across much of Nebraska over the past week. Can we expect more of the same? Eric Hunt has your answer.