SCRI

In January 2012 a planning grant was submitted to the USDA NIFA Speciality Crop Research Initiative.  We were notified in early June 2012 that we have received funding!  This grant will provide funding to develop and submit a full proposal for submission in January 2013. Summary information about the proposal is provided below.  If you would like further information about this project, please use the contact form.

Title: Snap pea, Enhanced Production of Nutrient-Dense Vegetable Legumes

Investigators:
Doreen Main - Washington State University
Rebecca McGee - USDA ARS
Clarice Coyne  - USDA ARS
Michael Grusack - USDA ARS
Lyndon Porter - USDA ARS
Carol Miles  - Washington State University
Michael Brady - Washington State University
Keithanne Mockaitis - Indiana University

Abstract: 
To compete in the increasingly global economy of vegetable production US farmers must offer high quality, nutritionally superior vegetables using competitive production and marketing practices. U.S. vegetable production is a $12 billion industry, with processing vegetables, including pea, contributing $2 billion of the total farm-gate value. Significant opportunities exist to expand pea production and consumption of this nutritionally important and child-enjoyed vegetable, but growers lack non-proprietary superior cultivars, reflecting a deficit of investment in genomic and breeding resources. To bridge this chasm, we propose a novel genomics-assisted farm-based breeding strategy to develop varieties adapted to local markets and environments and fully engage pea growers in directly navigating their economic potential. Our near-term goal is to bring together stakeholders and researchers to quantify and prioritize research and extension needs of the three major groups of stakeholders (seed companies, market growers and producers/processors) and develop an applied, systems-based outline of research topics. Our long term goals include development of marker-assisted selection protocols; an on-line “breeder’s toolbox”; an on-line “Growers Gateway” and smart phone apps that will assist growers in identifying pests and pathogens and a management strategy; an online-variety selection guide and an economic model that will meet consumers’ needs and promote sustainability and profitability. This Standard Research and Extension planning proposal addresses SCRI Focus Area 1: Develop innovative plant breeding systems (55%), Focus Area 2: (25%) Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases and Focus Area 3: (20%) Improve production efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term.
 
Anowledgements: 
Thank you to USADPLC and Washington State University Agricultural Research Center for commitment of matching funds to make this planning proposal submission possible