Pulses Exhibit on Display at Trent University Library & Archives
Research at Trent in Dr. Neil Emery’s lab highlighted in exhibit
Trent University Library and Archives is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Pulses: The Ideal Partner” on loan from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum in partnership with Pulse Canada.
The United Nations designated 2016 as the international year of pulses, presenting Trent with a great opportunity to host the exhibit. Trent University librarian, Marisa Scigliano arranged to have the exhibit visit Trent to showcase that pulses – dried peas, bean, lentils, and chickpeas, which are all edible seeds of plants in the legume family - are a healthy and sustainable food choice.
“The exhibit aims to raise awareness about pulses, an ideal partner for our health, environmental sustainability, and Canada’s agricultural industry. It is also a great opportunity to showcase some of the research done here at Trent University by Dr. Neil Emery’s lab” says Ms. Scigliano.
“The Pulses exhibition touching down here at Trent University between stops at the Royal Winter Fair and the Royal Botanical Gardens, is a proud moment for my dedicated lab team, and for me personally,” notes Professor Emery, vice-president of research and innovation at Trent University. “Environmentally friendly pulse crops bring their own fertilizer to the soil, and as the most important source of non-animal protein, they are one of the key elements for healthy eating. Perhaps more importantly, pulses are a key to feeding the planet’s growing population. They have huge potential for yield gains compared to cereals which, by comparison, are maxed out. Undoubtedly the exhibit will intrigue audiences as it highlights one of Canada’s healthiest and most sustainable sources of food.”
The bilingual exhibition explores the topic of pulses through interactive displays and allows visitors to learn about pulses’ long history in Canada as well the role that pulses play in global food security. It also also features research on pulses undertaken by Prof. Emery’s lab, including discovering the growth promoting potential of symbiotic bacteria in association with important pulse species. Prof. Emery’s current research project investigates the role of beneficial bacteria in alleviating the negative effect of moderate droughts in cultivation of various legumes such as pea, chickpea, lentil and faba beans.