Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Tackle Weed Crisis

You'll be interested to know that Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has launched its largest weed management initiative yet, investing $3.67 million across five research projects from 2025 to 2029. The program tackles critical threats to pulse crops, with $2.47 million specifically targeting kochia management under Dr. Steve Shirtliffe's leadership. This troublesome weed, now resistant to Group 14 herbicides, poses a major challenge for lentil producers. The initiative brings together top Prairie researchers, including experts from Agriculture Canada and the University of Manitoba, to develop practical solutions through field testing and on-farm trials. There's much more to discover about this groundbreaking research program.

Key Takeaways

• Saskatchewan Pulse Growers commits $3.67 million to combat weed challenges in pulse crops through five research projects from 2025-2029.
• Dr. Steve Shirtliffe leads a $2.47 million project specifically targeting kochia management in pulse crops.
• Research teams across Prairie provinces collaborate to develop practical solutions for herbicide-resistant weed control.
• Field testing begins in 2025 to validate new weed control methods combining mechanical and chemical approaches.
• Focus on kochia management due to its resistance to Group 14 herbicides and significant threat to lentil production.

Major Investment in Weed Research

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers has committed $3.67 million to tackle the growing weed crisis affecting pulse crops across the province.

You'll see this substantial investment spread across five critical research projects, running from 2025 to 2029, with the primary goal of helping farmers overcome persistent weed challenges in their pulse fields.

The largest portion of funding, $2.47 million, is going to Dr. Steve Shirtliffe's team at the University of Saskatchewan, where they're focusing on kochia management in pulse crops.

You're looking at a coordinated effort that brings together the Prairie region's top weed researchers to develop practical solutions you can use on your farm.

Through this investment, you'll gain access to new strategies that combine both cultural and chemical control methods, ensuring you've got the tools needed to protect your pulse crops.

Kochia Management Takes Center Stage

The battle against kochia has emerged as a critical focus in pulse crop protection, with researchers identifying it as one of the most threatening weeds affecting lentil production.

You'll find that kochia's resistance to Group 14 herbicides poses a significant challenge for your pulse crops, requiring a comprehensive management approach.

Here's what you're facing with kochia in your fields:

1. It's highly competitive, often overwhelming pulse crops through rapid growth.
2. Its tumbleweed-like dispersal spreads seeds across vast distances.
3. It thrives in saline conditions where other plants struggle.
4. It's developing resistance to multiple herbicide groups.

With the University of Saskatchewan's $2.47 million research project, you'll soon have access to integrated solutions combining cultural practices like strategic mowing with targeted chemical applications, helping you protect your pulse crops more effectively.

Research Teams Leading the Fight

Leading experts across the Prairie provinces have joined forces to tackle your most pressing weed challenges, with five distinct research teams now working on innovative solutions.

You'll find Steve Shirtliffe from the University of Saskatchewan heading the largest project, focusing on kochia management with a substantial $2.47 million investment.

The initiative brings together Breanne Tidemann from Agriculture Canada, who's leading two separate projects, along with Dilshan Benaragama at the University of Manitoba and Jessica Enns from Western Applied Research Corporation in Scott.

These researchers aren't just working in labs - they're planning on-farm testing and collaborating directly with growers like you to develop practical, sustainable solutions that'll work in real-world conditions.

Field Testing and Implementation

Moving from lab research to real-world applications, field testing will begin across multiple Prairie locations in 2025.

You'll find researchers and farmers working together to validate these new weed control methods, particularly focusing on kochia management in pulse crops.

Here's what you'll see in the field testing program:

1. Integration of mechanical controls like strategic mowing with precise chemical applications
2. On-farm demonstration plots showcasing different management techniques
3. Real-time monitoring of weed populations and resistance development
4. Practical evaluation of costs and benefits for each control method

If you're interested in participating, you can connect with the research teams through Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.

They're actively seeking farmers who'll help test these strategies under various growing conditions and soil types.

Long-Term Strategies for Pulse Crops

Successful long-term management of weeds in pulse crops demands a multi-year approach that you'll need to implement consistently.

You're looking at combining cultural practices, like strategic mowing and crop rotation, with evolving chemical control methods to address challenges like kochia resistance.

As you plan your weed management strategy, you'll want to focus on integrating multiple control methods that work together effectively.

The research being conducted across the Prairies will give you new tools to work with, particularly in managing Group 14-resistant kochia.

You'll need to stay informed about these developments and be ready to adapt your practices.

Consider participating in on-farm testing programs, which will help you fine-tune these strategies for your specific conditions while contributing to the broader agricultural community's knowledge.

Conclusion

Picture your pulse crops thriving in weed-free fields! Saskatchewan Pulse Growers are leading the charge against stubborn weeds like kochia, developing powerful new weapons for your farming arsenal. Over the next four years, cutting-edge research will deliver battle-tested strategies that combine both natural field management and targeted chemical solutions to protect your valuable crops.

When it comes to keeping your fields productive and your equipment running smoothly, you don't have to face these challenges alone. Ed Gibeau, a 35-year veteran of the agricultural industry at Tru-Kare Tank & Meter Service, brings unmatched expertise in everything from anhydrous ammonia equipment to the latest precision agriculture technologies. His experience with Raven, Outback, Hemisphere GPS, and CHC Navigation Autosteer Systems means you'll have access to the most advanced solutions for your farming needs.

Remember: The key to successful pulse crop production lies in combining the latest research with reliable equipment support - and that's exactly what Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Tru-Kare deliver to help your farm thrive.