research proposals

Submission Deadline: WednesdayDecember 20, 2017 at 4:00pm EST

Email proposals to:

Jennifer Mitchell, Project Coordinator
Ontario Bean Growers (OBG)

519-803-9847

Budget & Funding

OBG budget requests should be no more than $100,000 per year. Funding is pending OBG accessing matching funds through government or other funding programs. Additional partner funds brought forward by the researcher are to be confirmed before OBG submits an application for matching funds.

Timeframe

Projects between one and five years in duration will be considered.

Timeline

December – January: Proposals reviewed by Research Committee. Questions and comments may be sent to researchers during this time.
Mid January: Research Committee meets to review proposals and draft recommendation to Board of Directors
Mid-February: Board of Directors meets to approve projects
Mid-February – Early March: Researchers are notified of Board of Directors decision

Confidentiality

OBG Directors and Research Committee members have signed a confidentiality agreement. OBG will not share any component of the research proposals beyond the committee and the Board of Directors.

Reporting & Communications

Specific reporting requirements will be determined once matching funds are confirmed. OBG will work with researchers to ensure reports are completed as specified. OBG will also work with researchers to develop at least one communication piece aimed at growers.

Section 1: Researcher Contact Information

Principal Investigator:
Secondary Investigators:
Institution:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Researchers who have not worked with OBG previously should submit their CV along with their proposal.

Section 2: Project Information

Title of Proposed Research Project:
Research Priority Area (select one):
All proposals that show value for Ontario Bean Growers will be considered, but proposals that directly address the identified topics will be given priority.
☐Breeding / ☐Weed Management / ☐Pest Management / ☐Agronomy / ☐Other (human health, processing, new domestic markets etc.)
Please identify the specific research priority/priorities that this research will address (see Appendix A - OBG’s Research Priority Document):
Please identify the market class of beans that will be included in the project:
☐Whites / ☐Blacks / ☐Kidneys
DRK/LRK/WK / ☐Cranberry / ☐Adzuki / ☐Japan/Other
Please identify:
Project Start Date:
Project End Date:
In anticipation of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the next agricultural policy framework 2018-2023), projects can not start before April 1, 2018

Section 3: Project Description

What is the hypothesisbeing addressed in the proposal? How does this relate to previous work conducted on the topic? (300 words max)
Please list the objective(s) of the project (300 words max.)
Please outline the expected outcomes for this project. How will this work be of benefit to Bean Growers in Ontario in the short and long term? (300 words max)
Procedure: The proposal must have scientific merit. Please provided a concise description of the project methods, including (if applicable) location of field sites, number of replications, all products being evaluated, the specific varieties being used in the trials etc. Applicants must use layman’s terms, and provide enough information to allow those unfamiliar with the research to understand what is proposed without providing excessive detail. (One page max)
Budget: Please complete budget template provided.

research priorities

The following research priorities were identified by OBG’s Board of Directors and District Delegates as being most important to bean growers in Ontario.

Breeding
  • Increased yield in all market classes
  • New varieties adapted to Ontario conditions as well as end use markets, particularly cranberry and kidney beans
  • Earlier maturing varieties in each market class
  • Varieties exhibiting drought resistance
  • Improved resistance to root rots, including Fusarium and Rhizoctonia
  • Development of resistance to insect pests, e.g. leaf hopper, Western Bean Cutworm, spider mites, etc.
  • Breeding for desirable plant architecture, e.g. tall, erect bean plants with higher pod set for direct harvesting, and open architecture for reduced susceptibility to white mould
  • Improved root systems for enhanced vigour and nutrient uptake, and reduced lodging
/
Weed Management
  • Identification of best management practices for controlling Canada fleabane in each bean market class, with consideration for glyphosate resistant fleabane and other Group 2 resistant weeds prevalent in Ontario (e.g. the crop safety of pre-emergence treatment with Eragon and 2,4-D)
  • Continued development of new and improved broadleaf weed management options for each market class, with consideration for the prevalence of Group 2 resistant weeds

Pest/Disease Management
  • Improved management of Western Bean Cutworm, including scouting techniques, treatment thresholds, control measures and improved understanding of WBC activity and reproductive biology in Ontario
  • Evaluation and registration of new fungicide and insecticide seed treatments in Ontario, particularly replacement of neonicotinoids and access to effective products available in the US
  • Continued evaluation of management practices and fungicides for white mould control, including development of forecasting tools
  • Evaluation of spray quality parameters, with a focus on achieving good coverage with fungicide applications
  • Evaluation of the impact of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) on bean market classes
/
Agronomy
  • Evaluation of reduced tillage systems (e.g. no-till, strip till, etc.), especially for small seeded bean classes, with consideration for methods of applying and incorporating fertilizer and herbicides in these systems
  • Development of effective cover crop techniques for bean cropping systems, including quantification of nitrogen credits, soil health improvements and impact on weed control
  • Evaluation of precision planting techniques and the opportunity to use variable rate seeding to reduce costs and manage white mould
  • Innovative techniques to maximize economic yield

Other
  • Continuing assessment of the health benefits of consuming beans, including evaluation of differences between specific market classes and varieties
  • Development of data to support federal health claims for beans
  • Increased inclusion of beans on menus of popular restaurant chains and in institutions
  • Development of new food uses for beans that are connected to emerging and existing markets

Ontario Bean Growers – Call for Proposals – October 20171