Yellow peas play a key role in sustainable agriculture by enriching the soil, reducing 
synthetic fertilizers, and providing a sustainable source of plant-based protein. Our project 
aims to enhance regional yellow pea cultivation by identifying three elite rhizobia strains 
from our unique rhizobium collection as bio-inoculants that provide the plant with a natural 
source of nitrogen, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and yielding protein-rich 
seeds. Thanks to the unique and essential complementary expertise of UGent and 
HOGENT, we can validate these strains both in the laboratory and in the field with current 
market varieties of yellow peas and physiologically relevant agricultural soils. We will also 
further explore the market potential, file a patent application concerning the selected 
strains, and engage in exploratory discussions with potential licensees