FARGO (AP) - The nation's second public pulse crop breeding program is up and running at North Dakota State University.

The goal of the program is to develop new varieties of pulse crops, such as dry peas, lentils and chickpeas, to increase yields and reduce the effects of diseases and weeds. The only other such program in the country is a federal Agricultural Research Service effort based at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash.

The 2007 Legislature approved $470,000 to start the NDSU program. The Northern Pulse Growers Association, which represents pulse growers in Montana and North Dakota, also is contributing.

Kevin McPhee, who was a researcher with the pulse breeding program in Washington, is heading the NDSU effort. During his 13 years at the Washington program, he and his team released eight varieties of peas, including two winter varieties. He said moving to the Midwest is a big change, but he's excited about the potential of the industry.

Shannon Berndt, executive director of the producers' association, said having a breeding program in the Midwest will benefit the farmers.

"Being centered in the region, the program will develop specific varieties to work better in these environmental conditions," Berndt said.

Plaza farmer Mark Kok, the association's president, agreed.

"We have a vibrant private industry that provides a lot of varieties from Canada and Europe, but we need a public variety that is specifically for the region," he said.

Acres of pulse crops in the region have increased dramatically over the past decade, though they dipped slightly this year. Kok said he expects the increase to continue because of the high cost of fertilizer. Pulse plants put nitrogen back in the soil.

North Dakota leads the nation in the production of both dry peas and lentils.