Lead Researcher (PI): Sabine Banniza

Institution: University of Saskatchewan

Total WGRF Funding: $508,046

Co-Funders: Agriculture Development Fund, Alberta Pulse Growers Commission, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers, Results Driven Agriculture Research, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers

Start Date: 2025

Project Length: 5 Years

Objectives:

i) Study the effect of secondary metabolites/polyphenols in roots in pea and lentil on root rot
ii) Use molecular and conventional breeding for improved root rot resistance and rapid variety release in pea and lentil
iii) Host-pathogen interaction with Fusarium avenaceum toxin knock-out isolates
iv) Conduct gene editing in lentil
v) Characterize the diversity and abundance of Aphanomyces and Fusarium populations in SK
vi) Expand Western Canadian Aphanomyces euteiches genomic resources
vii) Optimize crop rotations to mitigate root rot disease of lentil and pea RNAi control of A. euteiches
viii) RNAi control of A. euteiches
ix) Endophytic Control of root rot in lentil and Medicago Root Infection Model
x) Biocontrol of Aphanomyces root rot using bacteria isolated from soil.
xii) IPM pyramiding using biocontrol, natural products and tolerant lines