Herbicide Resistant Lentil Pending

SASKATOON - Jan 17/04 - STAT -- A new, traditionally bred lentil which is resistant to some herbicides could be available in Canada by the 2005 under an agreement between the University of Saskatchewan's Crop Development Centre (CDC) and BASF Canada.

BASF Canada has signed a research agreement with the Crop Development Centre. "This joint initiative will lead to the commercialization of Clearfield lentils for western Canada," says Rick Holm, Director, Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan.

Howie Zander, Clearfield Business Manager, BASF Canada, said, "The development of Clearfield lentils expands current Clearfield technology and creates a global first – western Canadian growers can utilize this non-GMO technology and enjoy access to global markets. Having global market access while growing a variety produced under western Canadian growing conditions provides growers with a marketable crop that has the potential of exceptional grades and quality."

The genetics for Clearfield lentils are developed through traditional plant breeding methods and will be supplied by the University's Crop Development Centre.

The weed control in Clearfield lentils will come from Odyssey, a herbicide that is custom designed for all soil types and which provides western Canadian growers with exceptional control of both broadleaf and grassy weeds. Additional lentil protection is available to producers through the recently expanded list of BASF fungicides, namely Headline and Lance.

The CDC and BASF have a distribution agreement with the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers to provide Clearfield lentils to growers. In addition, BASF is currently working with the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers on a commercial agreement.