Location: Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research
Project Number: 2090-21000-038-027-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2026
End Date: Nov 30, 2029
Objective:
The objective of this agreement is to evaluate USDA pulse (pea, lentil, and chickpea) breeding lines and commercial varieties at multiple locations in the US Pacific Northwest.
Approach:
Spring-sown experiments will include USDA pea, lentil, and chickpea advanced breeding lines and check cultivars. Fall-sown experiments will primarily focus on winter-hardy USDA pea and lentil lines and check cultivars. Testing locations will include the Washington State University Spillman Agronomy Farm, in Pullman, WA, along with other field sites of cooperating growers. Many locations will be in Washington and when available, also in Idaho. Seeds will be treated before planting with appropriate commercial seed treatments and planted at densities similar to commercial production of approx. 170-190 lb/ac for peas, 50-80 lb/ac for lentils, and 130–160 lb/ac for chickpeas. There will be three replicated plots of each entry at a given location. More preliminary breeding lines will be evaluated in a single replicated experiment at Spillman Agronomy Farm, where single plots of early generation breeding lines will also be grown. Plots will be evaluated for important field traits that include height, days to flower, and days to mature. Plots will be harvested and seed cleaned and weighed using a state-of-the-art mechanical research combine-harvester provided by the Cooperator. Appropriate statistical analysis will be performed to identify exceptional USDA breeding lines that should be considered for release as new commercial varieties.