Project

Optimizing regional yellow pea cultivation by application of competitive Rhizobium leguminosarum strains

Acronym
ComPEAt
Code
F2025/IOF-ConnecTT/003
Duration
15 April 2025 → 31 December 2026
Funding
European funding: various
Research disciplines
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Agricultural plant production not elsewhere classified
Keywords
Yellow pea symbiosis nitrogen fixation rhizobial competitiveness
 
Project description

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.