Pulse
Breeding
Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS) is collaborating with Saskatchewan Pulse Growers to bring innovative pulse varieties to farmers in Western Canada.
PULSE BREEDING
About the Program
The Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS) Pulse Breeding Program is breeding new varieties to bring innovative pulse options to the Western Canadian market. Alongside Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG), LCS has expanded their breeding portfolio to establish a pulse breeding program. Hosted by LCRC, the program’s objectives are to address key concerns of pulse crops, such as improved yield performance under varying conditions, root rots & other diseases in peas and lentils and alternative herbicide tolerance in lentils.
Alongside SPG, these new varieties will be made available in the market through seed companies, ensuring their accessibility across Western Canada. Limagrain Cereal Seeds and SPG expect to introduce new pulse varieties to the market as early as 2025.
Breeding Process
Our goal at Limagrain Cereal Seeds and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers is to develop and invest in improved varieties of peas and lentils for farmers in Saskatchewan through innovation and collaboration.
From the initial cross, our greenhouse facilities allow us to cross, breed and rapidly progress through multiple pea and lentil generations per year. Our expertise in genomic technology allows us to expertly select valuable lines before field testing, ensuring our new varieties include the best possible traits.
Our newly developed varieties undergo testing across Western Canada to ensure the genetics we deliver address farmers’ most pressing needs and challenges. During testing, we conduct field trials to evaluate lines and establish varieties with optimal agronomic performance, considering traits such as yield, standability, and maturity. Seeds are then evaluated for characteristics, including size, seed coat breakage and protein. Through public and private collaborations and with guidance from our in-house pathologist, we assess resistance levels against diseases such as aphanomyces and fusarium root rot.
The Limagrain Cereal Seeds and Saskatchewan Pulse Grower partnership is rooted in:
- A dedication to technological advancement and innovation which is rooted in genomic selection for peas and lentils.
- An established germplasm base designed for Western Canadian Farmers.
- Access to diverse genetics and expertise from our Limagrain pulse breeding programs in Europe and Australia.
- Continued collaboration and thought-sharing through our partnership with Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and other seed partners.
- Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and Limagrain are part of a steering committee where direct farmer input on breeding priorities to address challenges and provide solutions are funneled into the program.
Together, we develop the best pulse seed options for farmers, rapidly advancing breeding processes in the Western Canadian agricultural landscape.
Program Partner
The Pulse Breeding Program is a collaboration between Limagrain Field Seeds and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers to develop seed varieties that focus on Saskatchewan’s pulse priorities and is based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
A grower-led organization to develop the pulse industry in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Development Board (Saskatchewan Pulse Growers or SPG) was established in 1984 as a grower-led organization to develop the pulse industry in Saskatchewan. SPG collects levy from and supports the development of pulse and soybean crops in Saskatchewan. SPG is governed by a nine-member grower-elected Board of Directors to ensure the strategic priorities of the organization are carried out. SPG undertakes work in the areas of research and development, market development and market access initiatives, and communications programs in pursuit of their strategic priorities.
Cooperating for the progress of agriculture everywhere, for everyone.
Limagrain Field Seeds (LFS) is composed of 6 Business Units covering 6 continents with subsidiaries in over 40 countries and sales in 80 countries. LFS supplies LG branded seeds of Maize, Wheat, Sunflower, Winter Rape and other regional crops to all farmers large or small. A strong commitment to progress through technology ensures that plant variety improvements arrive continually from 84 research sites and are adapted for maximum local performance.
LFS is an agricultural cooperative owned by nearly 1,500 farmers located in Limagne Val d’Allier (in the center of France), and an international seed group present in 57 countries with more than 9,000 employees. The Group breeds, produces and distributes field seeds, vegetable seeds and agri-food products. Focused on the genetic progress of plants, it is driven by its purpose: cooperating for the progress of agriculture everywhere, for everyone. Limagrain, with well-known brands on their markets such as LG, Vilmorin, Hazera, Harris Moran, Jacquet and Brossard is the fourth largest seed company worldwide.
Commercialized Varieties
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8630-1-H2-11-sr CL
Small red lentil
Supported for registration in 2024
119% yield when compared to CDC Maxim
42 g / 1000 seed weight, slightly larger seed size compared to CDC Maxim
5cm taller and 2 days later in maturity compared to CDC Maxim
Tentative Launch Year: 2028. PBR application to be submitted.
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CDC 7026-13 CL
Small red lentil
Supported for registration in 2023
118% yield when compared to CDC Maxim
42 g / 1000 seed weight, similar seed size compared to CDC Maxim
Height and maturity similar to CDC Maxim
Tentative Launch Year: 2028. PBR application to be submitted.
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CDC 7208-34 CL
Small red lentil
Supported for registration in 2023
129% yield when compared to CDC Maxim
41 g / 1000 seed weight, similar seed size compared to CDC Maxim
2cm taller and 1 day later compared to CDC Maxim
Improved Ascochyta and Anthracnose Race 1 resistance compared to CDC Maxim
Tentative Launch Year: 2028. PBR application to be submitted.
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CDC 6928-5 CL
Small red lentil
Supported for registration in 2022
104% yield when compared to CDC Maxim
37 g / 1000 seed weight, smaller seed size compared to CDC Maxim
Height and maturity similar to CDC Maxim.
Tentative Launch Year: 2028. PBR application to be submitted.
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CDC 7358-11 CL
Small green lentil
Supported for registration in 2023
111% yield when compared to CDC Imvincible CL
34 g / 1000 seed weight, similar seed size compared to CDC Imvincible CL
2cm shorter, better standability and 1 day later compared to CDC Imvincible CL
Tentative Launch Year: 2028. PBR application to be submitted.
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CDC 6956 CL
Small red lentil
Supported for registration in 2022
108% yield when compared to CDC Maxim
48 g / 1000 seed weight, larger seed size compared to CDC Maxim
2cm taller and similar maturity compared to CDC Maxim
Tentative Launch Year: 2026
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CDC 5845
Yellow Pea supported for registration in 2022.
2020-2021 Field Pea Co-op Registration Trial Data:
High yield (104% of CDC Amarillo)
High protein content (+0.9% of CDC Amarillo)
Medium maturity and low seed coat breakage
Tentative Launch Year: 2027
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CDC 5791
Yellow Pea supported for registration in 2022.
2020-2021 Field Pea Co-op Registration Trial Data:
Very high yields (107% of CDC Amarillo)
High protein content (+0.7% of CDC Amarillo)
Medium maturity and very low seed coat breakage
Tentative Launch Year: 2027