Advanced Phenomics and Genomics for Enhanced Anthracnose Resistance in Ontario Dry Beans
Anthracnose, a significant fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, has recently impacted dry bean yield and performance across Ontario, jeopardizing the profits of growers and the dry bean industry. The current anthracnose outbreak, raising concerns about the emergence of a new race or reduced efficacy against race 73. This proposal aims to develop advanced phenomics and genomics markers linked to anthracnose resistance, enabling efficient screening of dry bean populations to accurately and quickly select high-yielding, anthracnose-resistant genotypes. Key objectives include determining whether a new race has emerged or if race 73 persists, using high-throughput technologies such as drone imaging for rapid screening in early growth stages, and developing molecular markers to enhance anthracnose resilience in dry beans. This research will boost dry bean production, fortify Ontario’s agri-food sector, and maintain the province’s leadership in dry bean cultivation, ultimately enhancing productivity and profitability for growers and industries.
Publication – Advancing anthracnose resistance in dry beans through the transition from traditional to computational breeding efforts
From Field to Can: Boosting Dry Bean Variety Development in Ontario with AI-Powered Canning Quality Analysis
The proposal addresses the critical issue of assessing canning-quality in dry beans, a crucial step for registering new varieties in Ontario. Traditionally, due to the absence of a canning research facility and analysing platforms within the province, samples had to be sent out of province, resulting in canning quality evaluations being conducted only at advanced stages on limited lines. This oversight often leads to the development of cultivars, which may have high yields but lack consistent quality. The project aims to establish a canning-quality assessment pipeline, enabling the annual evaluation of bean lines from the early breeding stages using artificial-intelligence (AI). By focusing on both yield and canning quality from the outset, this initiative aims to develop bean varieties that excel in both aspects. This initiative will significantly boost the Ontario-Agri-Food sector by optimizing dry bean breeding practices and reducing reliance on external facilities, ultimately better meeting market demands.
Publication – Advancing Canning Quality in Common Beans: An Integrated Farm-to-Can Framework Combining Breeding, Processing, and Artificial Intelligence
Development of the pest management strategies for the control of the
spider mite populations on soybean
Help us better understand spider mites in Ontario. Dr. Grbic’s lab at Western University is studying spider mite species and populations affecting soybean and dry bean fields across Ontario. Samples submitted by growers and agronomists help researchers identify mite species, track their distribution and better understand emerging populations and potential management challenges.
If you find a field with active spider mites, consider submitting a sample to the Grbic Lab for species identification. Follow the sampling and shipping instructions to ensure your samples arrive in good condition.
Found spider mites? Submit a sample and help support ongoing research.
View the Spider Mite Sampling & Shipping Protocol
Please contact the Grbic Lab before shipping your sample so they know to expect it. Contact information is provided in the sampling protocol.
PULSE SCIENCE CLUSTER
To strengthen Canada’s pulse industry, Agriculture and Agri-Food announced up to $11 million to Pulse Canada. This funding is provided through the AgriScience Program—Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership.
From 2024-2028 Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) is investing $1.029 million grower dollars into the Pulse Science Cluster, plus $94 thousand into an Organic Science Cluster project.
2023-2028 Cluster OBG Funded Projects
Towards a Better Understanding of Dry Bean Root Rot and Soybean Cyst Nematode Management
The Interaction of Climate Change With Pest Management and Fertility in Dry Beans
Article – 2025 Pulse Cluster Research – Pulse Breeding: Securing Canada’s Agricultural Future Through Research, Genetics, and Market-Driven Innovation
Article – 2025 Pulse Cluster Research – Protecting Canada’s Pulse Crops: Tackling Root Rot
Article – 2024 Pulse Cluster Research – Pulse Breeding and Genetics
Article – 2024 Pulse Cluster Research – Pulse Research, Root Rot and Agronomy Tools
2023-2028 Organic Cluster OBG Funded Project
Agronomy and Weed Management for Organic Dry Bean Production
Video – Resistant Cultivars and Innovative Management for Organic Dry Bean Production
Article – An Organic Approach to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Article – (Dec 2024) in Better Farming Magazine: Advancements in Organic Dry Bean Agronomy
Previous Cluster OBG Funded Projects
2018-2023 Cluster OBG Funded Projects
Dry Bean Varieties with Improved
Canning and Cooking Quality for
Ontario and Western Canada
Other Projects Included in 2018-2023 Pulse Science Cluster
Developing Dry Beans for Disease
Resistance and Improved Yield
Performance in Western Canada
Disease Management Strategies for
White Mould and Bacterial Blights of
Dry Bean
Development of Improved Field
Pea Varieties, Germplasm for
the Canadian Pulse Industry
Understanding Field Pea Breeding
Initiatives, Physiology, and Agronomy
to Mitigate Yield Loss by Root Rot
Integrated Management of Pea Leaf
Weevil Using Biological Control and
Low Insecticide-Input Alternatives
Removal of Undesirable Compounds
and Flavour in Pulse Crops Using
Electromagnetic Wave Technology
Utilization of Pulse-Based Ingredients
to Develop Low-Glycemic Pet Foods
to Improve the Health of Dogs
Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program
| Year | Project Title | Researcher |
| 2018-2020 | Comparative Effectiveness of Bean Promotion Strategies Using Multiphase Optimization: Pilot Study | Paula Brauer, University of Guelph |
| 2018-2020 | Yield response of dry beans to variable rate seeding | Meghan Moran, Canola and Edible Bean Specialist, OMAFRA |
| 2018-2020 | Approaches to weed management in edible beans in Ontario | Peter Sikkema, University of Guelph |
| 2019-2021 | Bean breeding germplasm screening for resistance to emerging diseases | Peter Pauls, University of Guelph |
Growing Forward 2 Projects
| Year | Project Title | Researcher |
| 2013-2018 | Approaches to Weed Management in Edible Beans in Ontario | Peter Sikkema, University of Guelph |
| 2015-2018 | Assessment of hard seeds in Ontario navy beans | Dr. Parthiba Balasubramanian, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada |
| 2015-2018 | Breeding Otebo Beans for production in Ontario | Jim Kelly, Michigan State University |
| 2015-2018 | Reproductive biology and overwintering success of the Western Bean Cutworm | Jeremy McNeil, University of Western Ontario |
| 2015-2017 | Reduction of blood glucose with beans: defining the minimum dose | Dan Ramdath, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada |
| 2016-2018 | Adzuki Bean Agronomic field trials for Ontario Farmers | Chris Gillard, University of Guelph |
| 2016-2017 | Development of Improved Weed Management Strategies for Ontario Dry Beans | Peter Sikkema, University of Guelph |
