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Bean-Gene Project Launched to Benefit World's Dry Bean Industry
February 25, 2011
The University of Guelph today officially launched a multi-university research project intended to benefit the world's $11-billion dry bean industry.
Headed by Prof. Peter Pauls, chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture in the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), the project involves nine researchers at three universities. The team plans to produce a draft genome sequence for dry beans and develop genetic markers for improved varieties, especially disease-resistant beans.
"This represents an important opportunity for an Ontario genomics effort to have major international impact and will put Canadian bean researchers at the forefront," Pauls said during today’s launch.
The project received a $3.7-million grant from the Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI), as well as industry and other funding support totalling $11 million.
