To accelerate research behind breeding peas to improve nutritional content, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), with additional funding from Open Philanthropy, is awarding a $1,012,500 grant for North Dakota State University’s Plant Protein Enhancement Project. This research will build genomic resources, breeding models, and tools for improving total protein content in peas. Matching funds were provided by Benson Hill, Keygene, Syngenta, and NDSU for a total investment of $1.2 million.
 
“Demand for plant-based protein is soaring, both as a commercial alternative to animal products and as a key protein source to ensure global food security,” Jeff Rosichan, PhD, director of FFAR’s Crops of the Future Collaborative, said. “This research is unlocking the genetic potential of a popular, widely-consumed crop to expand its role in developing healthy, accessible diets.”
 
Of the pulses, peas have the greatest potential for enhanced protein quality and quantity through breeding, FFAR said. On average, protein is 22% of a current pea variety’s seed. By leveraging the genetic diversity of the USDA pea germplasm collection, cultivators can potentially help seeds reach a total of 34% protein.
 
The NDSU research team, led by Dr. Nonoy Bandillo, seeks to address this gap by studying genes, traits of peas, and the environment with the goal of increasing pea protein. The researchers are conducting large-scale studies of agronomic and compositional traits of pea germplasm across North America, to determine the natural variations which are relevant to pea protein content. The team is also developing genomic resources to produce DNA-level knowledge for increasing total protein content, and is evaluating tools for genomic prediction. By using genetic information and related tools, the researchers hope to speed up the gains and development of future pea varieties.
 
“Everybody talks about a projected world population of nine billion people by 2050,” Bandillo said. “What they do not tell you is that as part of this growth there will also be a rising demand for pulse crops. As part of demographic growth and urbanization, consumers are now preferring healthier foods and have developed an interest in plant-based protein. Thus, pulse crops, particularly pea, have emerged as a frontrunner.”
 
FFAR launched the Plant Protein Enhancement Project through its Crops of the Future Collaborative in 2019 to enhance the protein yield of plant-based staple crops and decreased costs. The competitive research program funds grants to enhance the supply chain for plant-based protein in a profitable and sustainable manner.