News Capsule: Canada: Heavy Rains Followed by Heat Raise Dual Threat to Pulse Crops in Saskatchewan
30-Jul-2026 10:24 AM
News Capsule: Canada: Heavy Rains Followed by Heat Raise Dual Threat to Pulse Crops in Saskatchewan
★ Excessive rainfall followed by intense heat has created a double challenge for chickpea, lentil and other pulse crops in Saskatchewan, Canada's largest pulse-producing province. Rising temperatures after widespread waterlogging are increasing concerns over crop yields and quality.
★ According to the Saskatchewan government, heavy rainfall has caused flooding and waterlogged fields in several areas, damaging pulse crops. Prolonged standing water has led to plant losses, yellowing, browning and yield reductions. The damage is localized, varying from field to field rather than affecting entire regions.
★ As of July 20, about 76% of Saskatchewan's pulse crop was at a normal stage of development, while 21% was behind schedule and only 3% was ahead of normal.
★ Weather conditions have now turned much hotter, with daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C in several areas. The Leader region in southwest Saskatchewan recorded temperatures as high as 36°C. The combination of waterlogged fields and extreme heat is increasing the risk of heat blast in pulse crops.
★ Moist and warm conditions are also expected to favour the development of fungal diseases, particularly Ascochyta in chickpeas and Anthracnose in lentils.
★ Agronomists believe that for good crop quality and satisfactory yields, temperatures should remain closer to 20°C rather than above 30°C. Timely light rainfall, instead of excessive precipitation and waterlogging, would provide the most favourable conditions for the remainder of the growing season.