Building a better lentil from the ground up

Authors: BRELSFORD, MONICA - Montana State University; BURROWS, MARY - Montana State University; Coyne, Clarice - Clare; Grusak, Michael; McGee, Rebecca; MILLER, PERRY - Montana State University; Porter, Lyndon; PASCHE, JULIE - North Dakota State University

Submitted to: North American Pulse Improvement Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/15/2019
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Lentil is a uniquely suited and profitable rotational crop within the dryland wheat systems of the northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest. However, root rot is a major threat to the lentil industry in North America and worldwide and there are few effective management options. Fusarium is the most predominant and difficult to manage of the root rot causing fungi. This project seeks to discover the major species of Fusarium causing root rot in lentil in the Northern Great Plains, explore their interactions and the role of seed transmission in establishment and spread of the disease; develop new resistant varieties using genetic marker-assisted selection techniques; determine the role of agronomic practices in establishment of a healthy crop; determine the role of agronomic practices and disease in nutritional content of lentil seed, engage stakeholders in using best management practices for root rot prevention; and enhance graduate student education and collaboration among international scientists in the North American growing region by supporting a student exchange program. This project was developed as a direct result of the Pest Management Strategic Plan for Pulse Crops published in 2017 and numerous discussions with growers, seed dealers, crop consultants, grower organizations, Farm Service Agency and financial institutions. The nutritional aspects of the proposal are exploratory, and have potential to benefit the industry in the long term.