Grain Business Magazine - April 2012 by Glencore Grain

April 2012

New Cereal Varieties Fine tune crop management for optimum performance

Weapon to Beat Snails Nematodes helping to control snails on Yorke Peninsula

Global Grain Market Rebuilding balance sheets in a volatile market

Best Bang for Your Buck

Seven strategies to minimise your tax

Mouse Control

Tips for preventing damage to your property

Crop Performance Report 2012 Detailed yield results from SARDI and NVT trials

Produced for the benefit of Australian grain growers by Viterra

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CONTENTS © Copyright. Editorial material published in Grain Business is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher or Editor. Print Post Approved: PP 510545/00616 Publisher Produced to add value to Australia’s grain industry by Viterra 124-130 South Tce Adelaide, SA 5000 Phone: (08) 8211 7199 gbm@viterra.com Design & Production Fuller Phone: (08) 8363 6811 37 Fullarton Rd Kent Town, SA 5067 fuller.com.au Advertising Rebecca Long RKL Media Phone: (08) 8843 0059 Mobile: 0417 813 480 rebecca@rklmedia.com.au

Positive harvest and shipping

Fine tune variety selection for peak performance A stream of new cereal varieties from different breeding organisations mean growers have more varieties to choose from than ever before.

Viterra launches new wheat, faba bean and canola varieties

Don’t just spray it, manage it

A time of change for the Australian barley industry market signals from Viterra

Nematodes a new weapon against snails Grain farmers looking for a nontoxic weapon against snails

Soils The more we look the less we know

Managing the nutrient risk Correctly identifying the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilisers required in different seasons and soils can improve cost efficiency and cereal yields.

Seeking certainty in a volatile market

Get the best bang for your buck in a bumper year

Farm Profile Bulla Burra

Plan your own mouse control campaign Growers are urged to consider their farms as unique case studies and not just rely on generalisations or historic data as they plan to manage mice this season.

Open up rotations to avoid weed resistance Brome grass and barley grass populations have adapted to modern farming practices, with populations in cropping paddocks germinating in winter and emerging in crop rather than before or at seeding.

SARDI Crop performance report 2012

Wool marketing update

Cover note: Seeding in South Australia PHOTO: Tom Roschi from TRP Photography tom@trp.com.au

At Grain Business, we want to provide useful, insightful, and up to date information in each and every issue. If there are any topics you would like to see featured in future editions or if you have any feedback about Grain Business magazine, please contact us at gbm@viterra.com.

Foreword

Positive harvest and shipping This edition of Grain Business follows a predicted new national record for crop production for the 2011/12 season, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) February Crop Report. Western Australia in particular had an excellent season, with the Bureau estimating the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total production around 17 million tonnes, a new record. There were some rain events and flooding across parts of Eastern Australia during the harvest season. In Victoria, most growers were able to complete their harvesting ahead of usual and the majority of the harvest in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales was completed before more recent flooding. South Australia experienced its third largest harvest on record with favourable harvest conditions and good quality profiles in both wheat and barley crops. In preparation for the harvest, Viterra invested more than $12 million in infrastructure, road works, new equipment and amenities, as well as strengthening communication with growers to ensure smoother storage and handling operations. More than 28 million metric tonnes of wheat and coarse grains is forecast to be exported from Australia during the 2011/12 financial year according to ABARES latest Agricultural Commodities report. Viterra succeeded in shipping more than 8.41 million tonnes of grain from South Australia in 2011 on behalf of 15 exporters. This demonstrates the demand and competition that exists for Australian grain and our access to key global markets.

Looking more closely at global markets, the USDA estimated world wheat closing stocks at 213 million metric tonnes in February. World wheat, coarse grains and oilseed closing stocks are expected to increase in 2012/13 as a result of production exceeding consumption, according to ABARES. With estimated all time record high stocks, pressure on prices is likely to continue into the second half of this marketing year. For information on how alternative marketing options may assist during times of uncertainty, check out the Grain Business grain marketing update on page 20. This edition of Grain Business contains the SARDI Crop Performance Report, which, for the first time this year, is fully funded by Viterra. Formerly the SA Crop Harvest Report, this publication provides you with data from National Variety Trials and SARDI trials to assist in your planting decisions. Viterra is proud to have formed this partnership with SARDI to provide growers with this report. We hope you enjoy reading it and incorporating the information into your farming decisions.

Dean McQueen Executive Manager Grain

APRIL 2012

New Varieties

Fine tune variety selection for peak performance A stream of new cereal varieties from different breeding organisations mean growers have more varieties to choose from than ever before. With so much choice available, it’s essential for growers to “fine tune” their crop management, matching varieties to paddock conditions for optimum performance. words/ Graeme Jennings

Results from a tri-State Barley Agronomy Project highlight the importance of refining management to suit the characteristics of varieties. This project, established five years ago to develop improved practices for new barley varieties, involves researchers from SA, Victoria and NSW and is funded by the Grains Research and Development Cooperation (GRDC. Coordinated by Dr Neil Fettell (NSW Industry and Investment), the project is specific to barley but the principles apply equally to wheat and other crops. Understanding the particular characteristics of a variety, including basics such as coleoptile length, is the starting point for managing it to maximise its performance, according to Kenton Porker, a research agronomist with the SA Research and Development Institute (SARDI), who is a member of the project team. In a seeding depth trial, in which seed was sown at 30 mm and 80 mm, deep sowing halved the emergence of Hindmarsh but reduced the emergence of Fleet by only about 10%, Kenton said. “These results highlight the importance of seeding depth and the need for growers who may have to

sow deep to ‘chase moisture’ in sandy soils to use a long-coleoptile variety,” he said. “There may also be benefits in choosing a variety with longer coleoptiles in conditions where depth control is likely to vary because a significant portion of the seed is likely to be sown below the target depth.” Project researchers have found that the coleoptile lengths of the newgeneration barley varieties can range from 40 to 80 mm, with Hindmarsh, Buloke, Flagship and Oxford having short coleoptiles, Commander and Maritime in the mid range and Fleet, which has the longest coleoptile, best able to withstand deep seeding. Fungicide seed dressings can also impact on coleoptile length. “Products with triadiminol as the active ingredient can shorten coleoptile length by about 10 mm. Conversely, products containing carboxin can increase coleoptile length by up to 15 mm on average,” Kenton said. “Based on these findings, the wrong combination of variety and seed dressing can significantly decrease emergence, particularly if a decision is made to sow deep to reach moisture.”

Particular care needs to be taken with new-generation soil-activated preemergence herbicides because they also impact on coleoptile growth and seedling emergence, he said. “The new pre-emergents are more water soluble than trifluralin, which increases the potential for damage to crop seedlings because the chemicals can be easily washed into the seed row. “The risk of damage can be minimised by placing the seed below the herbicide layer, but the coleoptile has to be long enough so establishment is not reduced by seeding depth effect. “If there is any doubt about emergence in this situation it is better to sow shallow than deep because even when there is rain to wash chemical into the root zone the damage caused by the herbicide is less than the effect of seeding too deep.” Trial results show there is less danger of crop damage from soilactivated herbicides in crops with wide row spacing, possibly because there is less likelihood of chemical being washed into the crop rows. Research exploring the ability of varieties to handle weed competition

New Varieties

These results highlight the importance of seeding depth and the need for growers who may have to sow deep to ‘chase moisture’ in sandy soils to use a long-coleoptile variety.

and suppress weed seed set has shown that those with erect growth habits and low to moderate early vigour are most likely to be impacted by weeds, Kenton said. “Hindmarsh is the variety most susceptible to weed competition, but is a good option where weed numbers are low. “Last year Hindmarsh and Yarra, two upright varieties, yielded poorly in the presence of high weed populations and failed to reduce weed seed set. “Maritime, Fleet, Buloke and Sloop SA exert considerable competition pressure on weeds, as do Oxford and Wimmera, two later varieties with a spreading growth habit.” Varieties also differ in their ability to withstand foliar diseases; a characteristic that can alter within a

season if there is a significant change in the disease population. The latest disease ratings of varieties are published annually in a variety of disease and variety guides and should be taken into account when deciding what variety to grow in a particular situation. “It is important to use the latest guide because ratings change if a particular combination of genetic resistance breaks down as a result of a change in the disease population, which can see the rating of a variety change from resistant to susceptible within a season,” he said. “The best option for disease management is to sow a resistant variety to minimise the risk of attack by the disease and be prepared to spray if necessary.”

Susceptibility to foliar disease is a significant issue. In a trial with Navigator and Keel, which are currently rated VS (very susceptible) to leaf rust, grain yields were reduced by up to 50% where no chemical was applied. Oxford, which is rated R (resistant), sustained less than 5% yield loss under the same conditions. “Other results have reinforced the fact that well-timed application of appropriate chemicals can reduce yield loss from foliar disease, which can also impact on grain quality, particularly in susceptible malting varieties.” Detailed information about the performance of all the currently available cereal varieties, including the six barley varieties released last year, is contained in the SARDI Crop Performance Report publication included with this edition of Grain Business.

APRIL 2012

New Varieties

Viterra launches new wheat, faba bean and canola varieties New wheat available for Victorian and New South Wales growers

New faba bean now available for SA growers

New wheat variety, Gauntlet, is now available for growers in New South Wales and northern Victoria. This adaptable, high yielding variety is a mid-late season Australian Hard (AH) wheat variety bred from popular New South Wales wheat varieties Sunvale and Kukri. Rob Hart of Hart Bros Seeds, one of Viterra’s seed shed partners for the variety, said he was excited about Gauntlet’s improved disease profiles compared to Sunvale. “Gauntlet shows good resistance to all current wheat rusts and yellow leaf spot disease, which will make it suitable for wheat on wheat rotations,” he said. Gauntlet has good grain size and performs equally well in irrigation and dry land cropping. When grown on irrigation, Gauntlet has shown yields in excess of seven tonnes per hectare. Its excellent test weight and consistently high protein compliments the variety’s yield potential. Gauntlet is suited to the main season planting windows and is similar in season length to other well-known varieties, such as Janz and Lang. Viterra is the commercial partner for the variety, which was developed by Longreach Plant Breeders. Josh Gavenlock, Viterra’s Crop Protection Product and Seed Product Line Manager, said this was the second Longreach variety Viterra had launched and the company looked forward to continuing to partner with Longreach Plant Breeders to release new lines in the future. “Viterra is committed to supporting the development and commercialisation of improved seed varieties in Australia for the benefit of Australian growers,” Mr Gavenlock said. “We will continue to work with industry participants to review and evaluate new wheat lines for release into the market.” For further information: Jason Scott, National Wholesale Seeds Manager, Viterra, 0458 009 804

Viterra has co-launched PBA Rana , an improved quality faba bean variety. This is the first variety released from Viterra’s partnership with Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA)1. Josh Gavenlock, Viterra’s Crop Protection Product and Seed Product Line Manager said through the PBA faba bean program, the company had partnered with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the University of Adelaide to introduce PBA Rana . Brondwen MacLean, GRDC Manager Breeding Programs said that the release of PBA Rana was a good example of how nationally coordinated breeding programs can deliver better pulse varieties for specific regions. “This is growers’ money being invested by the GRDC and its research partners to directly support the release of a new faba bean variety for those long season production areas,” she said. Dr Jeff Paull of the University of Adelaide PBA faba bean program said PBA Rana’s overall disease resistance profile was superior to current faba bean varieties grown in Australia, which was a major breeding priority. “Resistant varieties increase reliability of production and reduce the cost of inputs, while high seed quality will give Australian faba beans a marketing advantage in the competitive Middle East market,” Dr Paull said. PBA Rana is resistant to foliar and seed Ascochyta blight, has improved tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis and improved resistance to chocolate spot. As a relatively late flowering and maturing variety, it is particularly suited to higher rainfall, long season faba bean production regions. PBA Rana has good early vigour, good stem strength and resistance to lodging, and its pods are easy to thresh. The variety will primarily be available to growers in the South East region of South Australia next year before being extended to other suitable regions around Australia. For further information: Viterra Service Centre 1800 018 205

New Varieties

Low rainfall canola option now available Viterra and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have co-launched Xceed™ Oasis CL canola, a new crop option for grain growers in low rainfall cropping areas across South Australia and Victoria. Xceed™ Oasis CL is the first variety to be released under the company’s Xceed™ canola program, and is the world’s first herbicide tolerant juncea variety grown under a Clearfield® production system2. Dr Wayne Burton, Viterra’s Senior Canola Breeder, said Xceed™ Oasis CL canola’s inherent traits presented a number of advantages over traditional canola varieties. “Xceed™ Oasis CL has been adapted to suit warmer, drier climates, with increased tolerance to frost, heat and drought, while also having improved seed quality, enhanced resistance to shattering and higher potential oil and protein percentages. “The advantages of Xceed™ Oasis CL canola over traditional canola also include more vigorous seedling growth, quicker ground covering ability and enhanced resistance to Blackleg,” he said. Brondwen MacLean, GRDC’s Senior Manager, Breeding Programs, said growers in low rainfall cropping regions urgently required alternative crops to cereals for sustainable cropping systems.

“The GRDC is committed to ensuring there is an increase in broadleaf crops on farm by delivering adapted cultivars that will give growers viable break crops in their cropping rotation. “The introduction of Xceed™ canola follows nearly two decades of breeding and we are pleased to partner with Viterra to deliver this exciting new break crop option to Australian grain growers. “The Corporation will continue to invest in the National Brassica Germplasm Improvement Program and the canola molecular marker program, which will have flow on benefits to the Xceed™ breeding program,” she said. Xceed™ Oasis CL is available to growers in low rainfall areas in South Australia and Victoria from Viterra on a production contract basis. The targeted low rainfall zones include the Mid North around Port Pirie, areas of the northern and central Eyre Peninsula, and the Mallee and Riverland areas. Xceed™ Oasis CL is a conventionally bred juncea canola variety that has been developed by Agriculture Victoria Services (Department of Primary Industries, Victoria) and Viterra, in association with the GRDC. For further information: Viterra Service Centre 1800 018 205

1. Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) is an unincorporated joint venture between Grain Research Development Corporation (GRDC), the University of Adelaide, South Australia Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Department of Primary Industries Victoria, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia and Pulse Australia. 2. The Clearfield® Production System is a combination of herbicides and seeds that are tolerant to these herbicides. The seeds are obtained using traditional breeding methods and not using genetic engineering.

APRIL 2012

Pulse management

Don’t just spray it,

manage it

Even though pulse growers in southern Australian breathed a sigh of relief last year after escaping the unfavourable harvest rains of 2010, agronomists are advising against complacency. words/ Olivia Fuller

Wayne Hawthorne, SA Industry Development Manager with peak industry body Pulse Australia, said growers need to be vigilant to avoid long-term disease carry-over. “It’s important to keep things in perspective,” Wayne said. “We had a fairly good season overall, apart from a few hiccups with mould and disease. “But growers need to plan their 2012 sowing program carefully to maximise yields and overcome some residual disease burden from 2010. “We have learnt from the last two years that diseases have to be managed. Disease control is more than just applying a fungicide, it is an integrated package.” South Australian Research and development Institute (SARDI) agronomist Jenny Davidson agrees that management techniques such as careful seed selection, strategic planning of rotations and early monitoring will be vital in 2012. “We are still seeing disease levels

that we wouldn’t normally expect in the southern region,” Jenny said. “For example there has been some surprising carry-over of rust in faba beans. We found it in a few crops in late July and early August which is quite unusual. “Normally it likes warm humid conditions, so we can only surmise that the previous wet summer allowed some volunteer faba beans to grow and that enabled the rust epidemic to build up over a long period of time and be spread by the wind. “We know that there were some yield problems because of that.” Jenny said ascochyta also caught out many growers. “During the previous season, we’d seen a lot of it in lentils so we were on the look-out, but it wasn’t as prominent as 2010, with fairly low levels in August. Although low, it was present in many lentil crops of South Australia at that time. “After the dry September, it did not

appear to be in crops and therefore a lot of growers didn’t apply a fungicide. “Then the rain came in October and the ascochyta spread up to the pods and stained the seed, down-grading it.” Jenny said that on the positive side botrytis outbreaks were minimal, due to the very dry September, and there was also less grey mould on lentils and chocolate spot on faba beans.

Paddock selection Wayne said picking the right pulse for the right paddock will never be more important than this year. “Matching the pulse to the soil type and pH and taking into account disease and herbicide residues from previous years is a vital part of an integrated disease and management program,” he said. Jenny agreed, stating that “disease can also spread from neighbouring stubble so where possible it is best to avoid planting a crop next to infected stubble.”

Pulse management

The weed background must also be considered when selecting a paddock, particularly if early sowing or planting chickpeas. “Drainage is also important – waterlogging can significantly affect the viability of pulses more than other grains. There is no comparison between the susceptibility of lentil and tolerance of faba bean as the two extremes,” Jenny said. “Even matching the time of sowing to the variety can make a significant difference to crop health.”

Variety selection Jenny believes that growers should consider resistant varieties for those diseases that are of significance in their region. Growers can refer to the SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012 for detailed variety information. Wayne said trials and experience over the last few years had shown that having an erect crop that’s standing tall, as

opposed to one that’s flat on the ground, will not only help minimise weather damage and disease but improve harvesting efficiency. “Some varieties are more erect than others, especially in lentils. Growers might like to consider inter-row sowing into standing stubble or maintaining the same wheel tracks to avoid unnecessary flattening. Pea and lentil grain harvested from wheel tracks have been implicated in quality problems at harvest.”

help protect the new seed crop.” Jenny said held over grain would also need to be tested. “There were some issues with mould on grain being delivered to silos. We’re not sure whether this is due to climate or agronomic conditions, but growers need to be aware that mould will most likely affect germination. “If they have kept seed to use this year they need to get a germination test before sowing.”

Seed quality

Tight rotations

One of the priorities this year for many growers will be to undertake seed testing for ascochyta, Jenny said. “We’re suggesting that seed is tested well before they sow, especially in South Australia,” she said. “The other pre-seeding precaution is to apply a seed dressing to chickpeas and lentils, such as P-pickle-T® or a Thiram based fungicide. “That will reduce the transfer of any disease that is on the seed as well as

Jenny said growers should also consider their rotation strategy in the light of the disease outbreaks in recent years. “Growers in SA in particular have been tightening up, with many rotating wheat on lentils year on year. “We know that ascochyta and botrytis can survive for three years so we are reminding growers that all pulse crops should have a three year break to avoid carry-over of disease.”

APRIL 2012

Pulse management

Healthy field peas (Photos this page by Jenny Davidson -SARDI).

Rust on faba beans

Sowing time Growers may wish to plant pulse crops early to maximise yield potential but early sowing often increases disease risk, so that needs to be accounted for in disease management. Early sowing allows time for multiple cycles of the diseases in crops, increasing the severity each cycle. It also leads to heavy biomass in spring and humid canopies that encourage disease. Lodging can also occur in heavy canopies. Growers should sow at the appropriate time for their variety and region for high yield potential and optimum disease control. If crops are early sown, they need to be managed as high-risk for disease.

Early monitoring Disease monitoring should begin early, in late July and into August, given the experience from the past two years, Jenny said. “If you see any faba bean crops with rust then spray the crops immediately but also let your agronomist know so that SARDI can spread the word. It’s very important for people to tell us as soon as they see anything so we can inform industry as a whole to be prepared.” August is also the best time to begin monitoring for ascochyta in lentils, particularly 10-14 days after rain. The presence of ascochyta at this stage will indicate the need for sprays

during podding to prevent pod infection and seed staining. Varieties such as PBA Flash may need a foliar spray at this stage.

Crop topping Finally Wayne said some of the quality issues from last harvest were perhaps related less to disease than to seasonal issues and crop topping. “Crop topping is timed to make sure rye grass in the crop doesn’t set seed. This also desiccates the crop to finish it earlier and uniformly for an early harvest,” he said. “It is now standard practice for most pulses except chickpeas a week or so before harvest. However, doing this too early can impact on yield and sometimes quality. From SARDI trials, early maturing pulses are safer to crop top than mid to late maturing varieties but growers need to be careful and be aware of seasonal variations between crop and ryegrass maturity.” Jenny said that SARDI’s Southern Agronomy Project led by Mick Lines has been conducting trials on this issue for several years. The trials have assessed the impact of crop-topping timing on the grain yield of various varieties with different maturity ratings. The project is now, in collaboration with Jenny, looking at the impact of this practice on seed quality. It plans to provide growers with more information prior to harvest.

More information The SARDI Crop Watch e-newsletter is distributed free during the growing season and contains information about potential disease risks. Growers can sign up for this via Jon Lamb Communications: jlcom@chariot.net.au Crop Watch Facebook Page: Growers are invited to advise of disease outbreaks or upload good quality photos of an infection they’d like identified. The page encourages industry discussion about agronomic challenges and how growers should be responding. facebook.com/cropwatch pulseaus.com.au sardi.sa.gov.au grdc.com.au/pba

Chocolate spot on faba beans

malting barley

A time of change for the Australian barley industry market signals from Viterra words/ Dr Doug Stewart, General Manager Technical: Malt, Viterra Malt

Key Messages Growers – Better barley varieties have recently been released and there are more on the way. These provide higher yields and better resistance to disease and abiotic stress. Bulk handling companies – Segregations need to be removed for older barley varieties with falling market demand. Growers need to campaign bulk handling companies to ensure every possibility for a local segregation for new varieties. Barley breeding companies – It is unlikely that all new malting barley varieties will be commercially successful. Maltsters and brewers – Improved quality traits. It is a busy time for the Australian malting barley industry. We are in the midst of the release of several new barley varieties that promise good benefits for the whole supply chain. Growers stand to gain from increased yields and improvements in disease and abiotic stress resistance. Bulk handling companies will benefit from higher yields to fill silos and barley marketers and maltsters would expect to benefit from improved quality traits. However, there will be several challenges for the industry to overcome. The transition to privatised barley breeding has seen a record number of barley breeding lines put forward for assessment (Table 1). Two outcomes are obvious;

1. Not all proposed new barley varieties will be commercially successful. 2. Older barley varieties need to be rationalised to make way for the new varieties. One of the reasons why these new varieties will not all succeed as commercially viable options is due to their rainfall requirements. Most have a medium to high rainfall requirement, yet most of Australia’s barley growing area is in low to medium rainfall zones. Essentially, there are not enough segregations available in the medium to high rainfall areas to sustain this many barley varieties. Therefore, it will be important for growers to look for market signals from processors

and marketers before adopting new varieties. In addition, the sheer volume of new varieties will be problematic for the end users of malting barley. The Australian grain marketing, malting and brewing industries invest a substantial amount of time and money to assist the development of new barley varieties through involvement in peak industry bodies such as Barley Australia, Pilot Brewing Australia and the Malting and Brewing Industry Barley Technical Committee. However, there is still a large amount of market development work required after any new barley variety has been given “malting” status by Barley Australia. Grain marketing companies and maltsters are required

malting barley

Table 1: New varieties and breeding lines currently under assessment for malting accreditation Variety

Rainfall Requirement

Likely Malt Market Fit

Earliest Availability*

Navigator

Medium-High

Domestic/Export

2012

Bass

Medium-High

Export

2012

Scope

Medium

Export

2013

Macquarie

High

Domestic

2013

Westminster

High

Export

2013

Henley

High

Export/Domestic

2013

Grange

Medium-High

Domestic/Export

2013

Shepherd

Medium

Domestic

2014

Wimmera

Medium-High

Export

2014

VT Admiral

Medium-High

Export

2014

WABAR2537

Medium-High

Export

2014

Skipper

Low

Domestic/Export

2014

IGB1101

Low

Export

2014

GS1228

High

Domestic/Export

2014

SY Rattler

Medium-High

Domestic

2014

*Subject to Barley Australia accreditation as a malting barley.

APRIL 2012

malting barley

Barley variety snapshot Essentially, it is important to remember that there is not one barley variety which suits all end users. Different brewers seek different traits in the malting barley. Growers must consider market demands, both domestic and international, when considering their planting options. Viterra Malt has Australia-wide demand for Commander and Buloke. Commander has exceeded expectation for quality in the malthouse this year, outperforming Gairdner, the variety it was initially compared to. Buloke has proved itself to be an excellent malting barley over the past few years and is now widely accredited by Viterra Maltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s export customers. Strong market demand for this variety underpins its future demand making it a sound variety to plant. Flagship, has unfortunately struggled to be widely adopted by growers due to pre-harvest germination issues. There continues to be strong ongoing demand from those growers who are in the right areas to make Flagship work. Baudin continues to be a highly desired malting barley variety and is in strong demand from Viterra Malt. Powdery mildew issues last season may see some growers moving on; however there will be interest in Baudin for some time from those who are prepared to invest in the appropriate fungal treatments. Viterra will have limited segregations in place this coming harvest for Sloop barley in South Australia. There is reduced demand for this variety among domestic and export customers due to its poor malting qualities, and growers are advised to grow any of the varieties mentioned above rather than invest in Sloop.

to accredit the new variety by trialling them with international maltsters and brewers. International brewers, who are the final market for a large proportion of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s malt, are typically also supplied by European and Canadian maltsters. These brewers are also requested to undertake new malting barley trials by their European and Canadian suppliers, resulting in an enormous workload. Therefore, most brewers can only afford to trial new barley varieties every year or two at best. This limits the number of new barley varieties that will become commercially successful as without a market there is no demand. Once again it is important that growers look

for market signals when considering the adoption of a new malting barley variety. Table 2 indicates an example of current market demand from Viterra. Currently, Commander is undergoing evaluation by international brewers to determine its suitability for use in international markets. This is a long-term process which is carried out over several seasons. Therefore, international demand is subject to international market acceptance following this evaluation process. The second challenge facing the industry is how to segregate the new malting barley varieties. This will require a transition period to eliminate segregations for older or

inferior barley varieties (Table 3). Bulk handling companies need to work with growers in a coordinated fashion to ensure a seamless transition from old varieties to new which provide growers with benefits and have strong market demand. Some varieties such as Stirling and Schooner are around 30 years old. These typically have an outdated malt quality profile and are much lower yielding than some of the new malting barley varieties such as Commander or Buloke. They are therefore less sought after by international brewers so growers are advised against growing these as malting varieties. However, some niche markets still exist for these varieties.

malting barley

One of the reasons why these new varieties will not all succeed as commercially viable options is due to their rainfall requirements. Most have a medium to high rainfall requirement, yet most of Australia’s barley growing area is in low to medium rainfall zones.

Table 2: Demand for malting barley varieties by Viterra State

Variety

Demand

South Australia

Buloke

Long term / high volume interest

Commander

Long term / high volume interest

Flagship

Long term / high volume interest

Gairdner

Short to Medium term / medium volume interest

Buloke

Long term / high volume interest

Commander

Long term / high volume interest

Victoria

NSW (Southern to Central)

NSW (Central to Northern) / Qld

Western Australia

Tasmania

Gairdner

Short to Medium term / medium volume interest

Buloke

Long term / high volume interest

Commander

Long term / high volume interest

Baudin

Long term / high volume interest

Commander

Long term / high volume interest

Fitzroy

Short to Medium term / medium volume interest

Gairdner

Short to Medium term / medium volume interest

Baudin

Long term / high volume interest

Buloke

Long term / high volume interest

Commander

Long term / high volume interest

Gairdner

Short to Medium term / medium volume interest

Gairdner

Medium term / high volume interest

Table 3: Examples of current malting barley varieties, market fit and suggested time frame for rationalisation. Suggested Timeframe until Variety Domestic Malt Export Malt Export Malting Barley Rationalisation Stirling* Low Low Low 1 to 2 years Grimmett

Low

1 to 2 years

Schooner*

Low

1 to 2 years

Sloop

Low

1 to 2 years

Gairdner

Medium - High

High

1 to 2 years

Baudin

Low

High

Not applicable – Still demand

Hamelin

Low

1 to 2 years

Buloke

Low

High

Not applicable – Still demand

Fitzroy

High

Low

Not applicable – Still demand

Flagship

Low

High

Not applicable – Still demand

Vlamingh

Low

Low - Medium

1 to 2 years

Commander

High

Market Under Development

Not applicable – Still demand

* Niche market opportunities remain for these varieties. Tables and breakout box this spread and previous, source: Viterra Ltd.

APRIL 2012

snail control

Nematodes a new weapon against snails Grain farmers looking for a non-toxic weapon against snails will be encouraged by the results of a bio-control trial in South Australia last year. words/ Heather Rowland

The bio-control was applied in high and low rates against The trial found that a non-poisonous nematode, used at conical and round snails on 16 replicated plots and the high rates, was as successful as pesticides in controlling results were compared with a traditional application of snails on Yorke Peninsula, where snail populations have metaldehyde-based baits. caused extensive damage to crops over many years. Professor Gavin Ash from the CSU’s EH Graham Nematodes are small, usually microscopic, unsegmented Centre said that the biological agent was as effective as roundworms with a narrow cylindrical body; mostly freemetaldehyde bait when living but some are parasitic. applied in high levels, and The trials, which used The fast acting nematode organism offered a reasonable level of a combination of a native control even at the low rate. nematode and a symbiotic enters the snail through natural “They are naturally bacteria, were conducted openings and releases the symbiotic occurring, soil dwelling by Charles Sturt University bacteria that grows in their gut. organisms which are (CSU) in collaboration This multiplies in the snail’s body, harmless to mammals and with the South Australian other beneficial animals, but Research and Development effectively turning the host into food suitable to use against pests, Institute (SARDI) and for the nematode. such as snails and slugs, funded by the Grains which live all or part in their Research and Development life cycles in soil,” Dr Ash said. “Unlike conventional bait, Corporation (GRDC). nematodes don’t contaminate the food chain.” The fast acting nematode organism enters the snail The impact of the nematodes in the field was more through natural openings and releases the symbiotic significant on conical snails than round snails, but Dr Ash bacteria that grows in their gut. This multiplies in the says that this could be a result of weather. snail’s body, effectively turning the host into food for “Given that these were the first large field trials that the nematode.

snail control

Professor Gavin Ash from the CSU’s EH Graham Centre

from the paddocks being cropped by applying a barrier of nematodes around the perimeter of paddocks using a protein-based foam formulation similar to that used in fire fighting,” he said. Dr Ash expects the autumn trials to be more successful than those conducted in spring, given the lower temperatures and moist conditions favouring snail activity. Separate trials will be conducted for slug control

we had conducted and that they only involved just one nematode/bacteria combination, we are very heartened that we achieved a reasonable kill overall,” he said. “We have five different isolates in production which will expand the options we have.” In autumn 2012, Dr Ash and his colleagues will conduct a series of field trials using a different approach. “This year we will be looking to exclude the snails

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APRIL 2012

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Healthy Soils

SOILS:

The more we look the less we know An unprecedented exploration of the biology of Australian soils aims to help grain growers improve their soil management and the profitability and sustainability of their farming systems. words/ Graeme Jennings

Healthy Soils

Farmers want to know what a healthy soil in their region looks like, what needs to be measured and what they can do to promote and improve soil health and crop performance. The flagship of this Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) funded research is a five-year soil biology initiative being co-ordinated by Dr Pauline Mele, Associate Professor of soil biology at Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Victoria and La Trobe University. Titled ‘Harnessing the Biological Potential of Our Soils’, it aims to find ways soil organisms can be managed to provide specific benefits for crop production. To achieve this, researchers are working to identify what micro-organisms are present in Australian cropping soils, what their roles are and how farming practices impact on them. David Shannon, chair of the GRDC Southern Panel, said the GRDC’s decision to commit a significant portion of its resources to research into soil biology and how it might be managed was in response to grower demands. “Every time we talk to growers about the issues they want explored, soil health and soil biology emerge as top priorities,” he said. “Growers want to know more about the soil and understand how it works so they can manage it better. “There are a lot of alternative ideas about what happens in the soil and this work, which involves about 90 researchers working on 15 projects Australia-wide, is designed to provide insights on how farming systems impact on soils and a scientific base for decisions about soil management.

“Farmers want to know what a healthy soil in their region looks like, what needs to be measured and what they can do to promote and improve soil health and crop performance. “The first step is to understand what is there: to identify the populations of microbes present, their roles and how they interact with each other and with plants. This is a major challenge because we don’t have a good understanding of the organisms that populate the soil or what they do. “The more we look, the more we find we don’t know.” David said there was a need to significantly improve our knowledge and understanding of micro-organisms and their interactions if we are to find ways of helping farmers improve the profitability and sustainability of their farming systems. “At this stage we simply don’t understand how farming systems and inputs impact on soils and the longterm sustainability of farming systems,” he said. “At the end of the day it’s all about profitability, but to be profitable growers need to be able to continue farming, and this work will provide insights into how to manage soils and farming systems to help achieve that. “There is the potential for healthy soils to improve farm profitability if we can manage the natural biological resources so they support improved cropping performance with

lower inputs.” Specific issues being explored as part of the soil biology initiative include: • the potential to stimulate populations of soil organisms to reduce or inhibit damaging nematodes and disease-causing organisms • the potential to boost the amount of nitrogen provided by ‘freeliving’ soil organisms not in a relationship with legumes • the impact of carbon and nitrogen levels on the activity of soil organisms • whether populations of soil organisms can be stimulated to release more nutrients such as phosphorous from compounds in the soil • what is needed to support populations of ‘disease suppressive’ soil organisms • the role and significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and how to manage them in southern cropping systems Associate Professor Mele believes it is essential to gain a better understanding of the organisms in agricultural soils, what they do and how they can be harnessed to improve crop yields. “Cultivation, fertiliser, herbicides, crop rotations and the quality and amount of crop residue can all impact of the performance of soil microorganisms, with many of our current practices reducing the capacity of soils to manage the supply of nutrients to plants and to protect crop plants from disease,” she said.

APRIL 2012

Crop Nutrition

Managing the nutrient risk Correctly identifying the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilisers required in different seasons and soils can improve cost efficiency and cereal yields. words/ Graeme Jennings

Growers are increasingly matching application rates to ‘management zones’ with similar soil and production characteristics to maximise fertiliser efficiency. The next step towards improving fertiliser performance and cost efficiency could be to change the balance between phosphorous and nitrogen fertilisers to match seasonal conditions, said CSIRO scientist Dr Therese McBeath. Combining this approach with a consistent program of soil testing may reduce risk and improve the costeffectiveness of fertiliser management, she suggests. Dr McBeath is one of a team of CSIRO scientists exploring issues relating to fertiliser use and crop nutrition. Their analysis of the profit and risk of phosphorus and nitrogen fertiliser management was prompted by a recent study by CSIRO and University of WA researchers Mike Wong and David Weaver that found soil phosphorus levels in many parts of the grain belt are higher than those needed for crop production and research indicating that lack of nitrogen is a major reason crops do not achieve theoretical yield potential in wetter seasons. Other factors in the nitrogen equation are the cost of

nitrogen fertiliser and the risk tolerance of the grower, with many farmers choosing to apply low rates of nitrogen as a means of minimising the risk of a loss in poor seasons. However, the team’s work suggests many growers would benefit financially from applying more nitrogen (N) than they currently do when conditions are right. Simulations based on 60 seasons at Karoonda, in the SA Mallee, suggest that applying 60 kg N/ha at sowing and 30 kg N/ha during the growing season, when required, would generate a profit of $300/ha or more in 40% of years in crops on sandy soils. This is considerably better than the mean net returns of approximately $5/ha from the current district practice of applying 10 to 20 kg N/ha at seeding and up to 50 kg N/ha in crop when there is sufficient moisture. These results indicate there are opportunities to increase profit by using a ‘tactical nitrogen’ approach to increase nitrogen input in good seasons by applying a base rate at sowing and adding more during the growing season when required, Dr McBeath said. However, nitrogen is widely viewed as a risk-increasing input because of the high cost of nitrogen fertiliser and the lack of certainty about whether or not there will be

Crop Nutrition

The team’s work suggests many growers would benefit financially from applying more nitrogen (N) than they currently do when conditions are right.

sufficient moisture for the crop to make use of the nitrogen applied and many farmers are not prepared to accept the level of risk involved in applying large amounts of nitrogen fertiliser, particularly ‘up front’. The use of probability graphs for different levels of risk aversion can help decision making and practice change, she suggests, and the CSIRO team is developing a response scale for nitrogen application at different locations and annual rainfalls to help growers make more effective fertiliser decisions. This scale is designed to predict the response to nitrogen management strategies over a range of season types so growers and their agronomists can explore the potential outcomes for a given nitrogen management strategy, in response to differing deep soil nitrogen test results and the risk tolerance of the grower.

Phosphorus Where soil phosphorus levels are higher than the soil test critical value for crop production, it is possible to reduce phosphorus inputs, Dr McBeath said, but the sustainability of such an approach needs to be monitored and changes made

if soil fertility begins to decline. “Many growers see soil testing as costly; but accurate, well-calibrated soil tests are basic to good crop nutrition decisions and a valuable risk management tool,” she said “An accurate soil test can provide significant economic savings, whatever the level of nutrient present. Soil testing for phosphorus, in particular, can increase the profitability of fertiliser management decisions. “If a test shows a paddock or zone is deficient in phosphorus and the grower applies more phosphorus as a result, the financial benefit is the value of the yield increase minus the cost of the extra phosphorus applied. “If the results indicate that the soil phosphorus levels are sufficient for crop production, the return on the test is the saving from not applying more than the 5kg P/ha starter rate. “A well calibrated soil test can be used to develop a relationship between soil test values and the phosphorus application rate required to achieve 90% of maximum yield. This can produce a significant pay-off from investment in soil testing because it minimises risk by indicating the level required to maintain soil fertility levels while maximising profitability.”

APRIL 2012

Grain Marketing Update

Seeking certainty in a volatile market There is one certainty in global markets and that is uncertainty. Uncertainty causes volatility. The current issues around the world relate to people and countries who expanded their balance sheets too aggressively. They are now facing the unenviable task of rebuilding their balance sheets. words/ Paul Greener, Pool Trader, Viterra

Grain Marketing Update

The FX rate is likely to remain strong given the coupling of Australian fortunes to our biggest trading partner - Asia So how does the global grain market sit within this backdrop? An asset price is a result of supply and demand wherever you are in the world. Not only will the price be driven by fundamentals but also by the marginal buyer and seller. Consequently the price of wheat or the current foreign exchange (FX) rate will be a result of the fundamental supply and demand of that asset combined with shorter term capital flows. This can push prices either above or below their fundamental valuation. At the moment, we are in a position where both the Australian dollar and grain prices look fundamentally overvalued. Commentators have the Australian dollar at a purchasing power parity of USD 90-95c. This is more than USD 10-15c below where we are today. However, it is important to remember that, in the last five years, the FX rate has approached parity (in 2008), promptly fell back to 62c, and then rebounded to peak at $1.11 against the US dollar before moving back to its current trading range. This is exceptional volatility, even for a currency, but as globalisation occurs and more players enter more markets in search of excess returns, the impact of capital flows will become more pronounced and the volatility in all asset markets will continue. This has major ramifications for grain growers. A strong Australian dollar is obviously bad for exporters as the price of exports increases and imports become cheaper. The FX rate is likely to remain strong given the coupling of Australian fortunes to our biggest trading partner - Asia. The Australian dollar has become a proxy for “risk on”. This is global growth where capital flows are attracted to areas where growth will exceed expectations financed by “cheap money” with US and European borrowing rates close to zero. This is effectively a “carry trade” which was first seen in Japan where interest rates have been low for some time and money was borrowed cheaply to invest overseas. With interest rate differentials versus other developed countries at all time highs, and emerging market growth still much faster than the developed countries, you can see why the capital flows are coming to Australia and how the commodity

“super cycle” will prolong this attractiveness. This level of FX and the impact it has on domestic pricing is going to become a long-term fixture. Therefore, it is best to not anticipate a correction in the FX anytime soon, which would result in a bounce in domestic grain pricing, and consider this factor in grain marketing decisions. The fundamentals of the global grain market are simple. There is demand from the global population and there is plentiful supply. Population growth will continue but the variable factor will be the general economic health of the countries around the world. The supply side is a function of production and inventory. The weather plays a massive role in production, which is difficult for everyone to predict. Assuming normal weather patterns and based on historical averages for yields versus acreage, you have fundamental supply. Currently the levels of grain inventory relative to historical numbers are high. A similar case exists for plantings, suggesting a good demand pick up across the world is necessary to justify current prices. New players and different types of investment products have also exacerbated the swings in both the physical and futures markets for grains, similar to hard commodity markets. This only makes it harder to maximize returns and effectively pick the top of the market. The key is diversification in volatile markets, regardless of what the asset is. You should not put all your eggs in one basket. Pools give growers the benefit of averaging or smoothing the price of the commodity over the length of the pool and also provide cash flow alternatives. However, they don’t suit everyone. It is important for growers to choose the marketing option which best suits their risk profile and marketing objectives. With volatility set to continue given the levels of uncertainty surrounding commodity prices, global demand and currency movements, growers should look to maximise returns for the lowest level of risk. A well-managed pool actively hedged against this volatility with both a fundamental view and a market view on pricing should outperform the average underlying price of that commodity for the year.

APRIL 2012

maximising profits

Chris Gebhardt, Agribusiness Advisor, William Buck

Get the best bang for your buck in a bumper year

Several continuous favourable seasons will see many primary producers reviewing their tax minimisation strategies to retain as much profit as possible. But there are other profit retention opportunities that shouldn’t be overlooked, according to advisory firm William Buck. words/ Olivia Fuller

“Based on a year or two of solid profits, accountants within the agribusiness sector would typically focus on tax minimisation strategies,” says William Buck Business Advisor Chris Gebhardt, who has been advising agri and regional business for more than 15 years. “But it’s not just about tax. By taking a strategic approach to business planning, there are opportunities that can be integrated with tax minimisation strategies to generate additional profits and savings.” According to Chris, there are four frequently used tax minimisation strategies for primary producers and agribusiness:

Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) Primary producers can use a FMD account to deposit and withdraw funds from their annual cashflow to maintain a consistent level of taxable income, avoiding fluctuations in tax payable. This assists business owners manage taxable income each year, and by depositing income into an FMD, allows them to build an off-farm asset.

Superannuation and Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) Concessional contributions to superannuation will enable primary producers to reduce taxable income and increase off-farm assets. This also assists with succession planning and exit strategies. The recent surge in the use of SMSFs over the last decade has provided primary producers with alternative options in respect of the utilisation of superannuation entitlements.

Income deferrals This strategy allows business owners to reduce tax by deferring sales into the following financial year. Livestock revaluation or stalling sales receipts can be considered.

Expenses This strategy involves bringing payment of expenses forward for immediate tax benefits. Examples of this include the prepayment of relevant operating costs and interest on bank debt.

maximising profits

7 strategy tips Chris recommends using complementary strategies to maximise returns. 1/Debt/finance review

5/Off-farm wealth creation

A review of bank loans can present a host of cash saving opportunities, such as reducing interest payable and bank fees. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the most appropriate security is in place across the finance facilities.

It is beneficial to direct any surplus profit into diversified investments outside of the agri industry, effectively from a risk management perspective. This can be done via self managed superannuation funds, trusts, shares, property or other wealth creation entities.

2/Group structuring

6/Cashflow forecasting

The correct structure for your operation can provide income tax flexibility, degrees of asset protection and succession ease. Given recent changes to legislation, if you haven’t reviewed your structure recently, now may be an appropriate time to do so. Discuss options with the appropriate advisor.

Understanding the flow of cash within your operation is essential to making correct decisions around expenditure. January/February is a good time to review this task. Cashflow forecasting should include consideration of reducing bank debt; taxation payments; capital expenditure and next season’s crop and livestock expenses.

3/Succession Planning/exit strategies A detailed plan around generational asset shifting or merely a strategy to exit can provide a sense of guidance and security for all family members. This may ensure that the family unit remains intact and that family members are remunerated equitably during operation or on exit and succession.

4/Estate planning Wills and other documents are essential to ensure assets are directed appropriately in the event of death. A review every five years is necessary to account for changing circumstances. Consideration of strategies such as utilisation of testamentary trusts and integration of superannuation is important.

7/Capital expenditure forecasting A plan detailing capital expenditure can assist with future equipment acquisitions. Mapping out an effective life and a replacement program can highlight possible cashflow issues. Consideration of financing alternatives can then assist to alleviate cash flow issues. Hire purchase vs lease vs hire options can be reviewed based on assets to be acquired and the style of business cash flow that can service the debt. All of these strategies will drive business performance and provide direction to business issues. Discuss your particular options as required with your advisors. For more information please phone Chris Gebhardt at William Buck on 08 8409 4333.

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APRIL 2012

Farm Profile

Business owners/Managers

Owners are Managing Director Robin Schaefer (42) and Business Manager John Gladigau (45). Property name and location

Bulla Burra Operations borders the town of Loxton on the southern banks of the Murray River, approximately 250km north east of Adelaide, South Australia. The property spreads 65km south-west to Alawoona. Annual rainfall

Loxton has approximately 275mm annual rainfall (175mm in the growing season). Alawoona has approximately 290mm annual rainfall (190mm in the growing season). Total area/Arable area

Bulla Burra manages approximately 9,200ha of owned and share-farmed land. 44% of this is owned by Robin and John. Cropping area/Program

Approximately 8,000ha is cropped, mainly wheat along with barley, rye and canola. In the 2011-2012 season, lentils and lupins were also introduced into the mix. Number of livestock

8,000 sheep, 3,000 breeding ewes - all Merino. Wool micron 19.5-20 30 Hereford cows with 30 Angus calves Number of employees

Robin and John work with Farm Manager Andrew Biele and permanent farm workers Joel Greenaway and Craig Kahl. Casuals are employed during seeding and harvest. IMAGE: Robin Schaefer with wife Rebecca and children Brianna, Jordan, Caleb, Isaac and Elise.

Bulla Burra 24

Farm Profile

APRIL 2012

Farm Profile

IMAGE: Robin with his Farm Manager Andrew Biele

When was the farming district settled? Loxton was originally sheep station country, which was subdivided for agriculture in the late 1800s. After World War I, more land was subdivided as part of the returned soldiers settlement scheme and gradually cleared for farming. The Schaefers have been farming in the district for a long time – my great-grandfather moved to the Mallee from Freeling in South Australia’s Lower North in the early 1900s which makes me fourth generation. After the Second World War, Schaefer land was bought as part of the Soldiers Settlement Irrigation Scheme (the Loxton Irrigation Area). What made you want to run a farming business? Like most young boys, I wanted to be a fireman. I announced this to a relative when I was five years old, and they said ‘Why don’t you want to be a farmer?’ It’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since. After I left high school, I spent a year on the farm before studying at Roseworthy Agricultural College. After that, I came back onto the farm and Dad gradually spent more time pursuing a housing

development business, so I was given the opportunity to manage the farm fairly independently. I love working in farming because I love growing things. I also think there are some great opportunities in agriculture and there is always a challenge. I believe that it brings you closer to nature and to life experiences, which is something I wanted for my family – wife Rebecca and my five children Brianna, 13; Jordan, 11; Caleb, 8; and twins Isaac and Elise, 5. They all love living on the farm. We started Bulla Burra, a collaborative farming venture based on low rainfall dry land cropping, three years ago. My business partner John and I essentially joined our land together, with some share farmed land in between. Last year I was lucky enough to be the recipient of the 2012 Nuffield Scholarship, supported by the Grains Development Research Corporation. My plan includes travel to the USA, England, Argentina and Europe to study farm business management systems as well as medium to long term weather forecasting, with a particular focus on management

tools to aid decision making. My business partner, John, was a Nuffield Scholar about five years ago. I am actively involved in my local church as Chairman and have been involved in various industry groups over the years, such as the Agricultural Bureau (as Chairman) and Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. as a board member. How do you manage your cropping program? Planning is critical to the process. The entire team gets together 12 months before the crop is planted and consults with an agronomist to plan the cropping program. Wheat is our most profitable crop – generally speaking the more wheat we put in the ground, the better it is for the business. We don’t have a set rotation plan and instead assess how the crop is performing throughout one season as a guide to the next. In particular, we examine grass weed numbers to determine whether we can grow wheat again or if a break crop is required. When we find that grass weeds are becoming a problem in the crop, we swap into a cleaning phase, traditionally a break crop of canola.

Farm Profile

Generally speaking the more wheat we put in the ground, the better it is for the business.

If you’re not growing, you’re going backwards. We’ve also used barley as a break crop and more recently we have been experimenting with lupins and lentils. However this is challenging in a low rainfall area such as ours and we remain in a trial phase. Canola has its challenges too, as it is more susceptible to damage by heat or other stresses. We are currently running at 90% no-till but there is always a small amount of ground coming out of pasture that we need to till as a result of weeds. We use a John Deere Conserva Pak and air cart (12.6m) and a Horwood Bagshaw Scaribar and air cart (12.6m) during seeding. GPS guidance has been a big focus for us – I have been using yield mapping since 2004, which we have continued since Bulla Burra was set up. We also generate maps for phosphorous and nitrogen application. If we’ve had a poor year, we tend to

target the sandy rises, but in a good year we will apply nitrogen everywhere but the constrained flats, otherwise these areas can burn off. We also use variable rate seeding, increasing our plant populations on the sandy rises and decreasing them on the flats. Our on-farm storage is quite small – just enough to hold a bit more than our seed. Long-term storage is always off-site, because we prefer to use the services of a specialist. What does the future look like? We have reasonable confidence in 2012-2013 because of the amount of sub-soil moisture from early summer rains. In August and September, we had six weeks with no rain and the crops were under stress but despite the fact that we had a low rainfall season, the rain we received over the previous summer meant that we had a good yield. We hope that happens again this year. Prices are a bit low at the moment,

so that’s a concern. Prices have been fairly volatile for the past few seasons and things can turn quickly. We set Bulla Burra up with a five year plan and three years in we are ready for a strategic review. The goal is to continue to grow – if you’re not growing, you’re going backwards. Eventually, I would like to see my children join the business. Things are changing in Loxton. Many farmers are approaching retirement age, so that will bring its own changes as younger farmers start to use a different approach. Farms are also getting bigger and it’s becoming more difficult for smaller operations to compete. I believe that farming is becoming more business orientated and that it will continue to do so over my lifetime – many people are becoming more specialised in their farming operations – you can no longer be a Jack of all trades and a master of none.

APRIL 2012

Crop protection

Plan your own mouse control campaign Growers are urged to consider their farms as unique case studies and not just rely on generalisations or historic data as they plan to manage mice this season. words/ Heather Rowland

Greg Mutze from Biosecurity South Australia said that even in areas where there have been widespread and severe mouse problems, there is massive variability in incidence and level of damage from farm to farm. “Whether mouse populations have been low or high in their region, growers needs to check their paddocks and not rely on general information,” he said. “There’s great danger in relying on predictions. “Spring and summer are usually the times when mice numbers build up in cereal paddocks. But stresses over the summer period - as paddocks turn very dry - usually causes these numbers to flatten out.” Greg said that it is too early to be confident about what will happen over the coming season, and that there have been mixed reports from growers about mice numbers. “Some have suggested there’s high numbers out there, while others are reporting that numbers are substantially lower than last year,” he said. “On the Eyre Peninsula, it’s reported that some individuals may be facing significant problems, but it’s not as widespread as was experienced two years ago.”

Across autumn and winter, seeding is usually the time that presents the biggest risk of mouse population increases. Greg said that risk factors include: • Severe grain loss at harvest as a result of weather, disease or any other factors that result in a low harvest efficiency. • Germination and seed-set of grain/summer weeds due to summer storms, which do not get grazed or sprayed out. • Properties with extremely high yields the previous year, which leaves more food on the ground for the mice. So what can growers do?

Stay on top of summer weed spraying “In discussions with growers, we found that those who had summer weed problems had more problems at seeding,” Greg said.

Manage your stubble during the summer months “Stubble management such as the use of a prickle chain over stubble during the summer needs to be used cautiously because of erosion risks but can reduce mouse numbers as it

reduces the amount of cover,” he said. “Mice numbers build up less when there is insufficient cover. If you wait until just prior to seeding to manage your stubble, it’s likely that mice will already be present.”

Use livestock strategically “Paddocks that are not grazed experience more problems with mice at seeding than those that are grazed during summer,” Greg said. “If the paddock has high mouse numbers in summer, do not keep it as a feed reserve until autumn, as this simply provides feed for the mice. Graze out your problem paddocks early.” Greg said that the national outlook is “patchy”, with no specific problem areas having been identified. “Historically, there have been no huge mouse plagues two years in a row,” he said. “However, given the extent to which we’ve changed farming systems, historical precedents don’t always apply.” The advice for growers is to watch closely and to identify if you might be a high-risk farm. “Those that had significant problems last year and who had heavy yields should be careful this season,” he said.

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weed management

This change, confirmed in research by the University of Adelaide’s Dr Gurjeet Gill, who compared weed populations from cropping paddocks, long-term pastures and along fence lines, is closely linked with continuous cereal cropping and reliance on pre-seeding weed control. Dr Gill, Associate Professor in Weed and Crop Ecology at the university, said his findings show that brome and barley grass populations are adapting to crop management practices. “Consistent use of the same management practices is selecting plants that are able to survive in modern farming systems,” he said. The escape mechanism enabling these ‘management tolerant’ weeds to establish in cereal crops is a chilling requirement that prevents them germinating until they have been exposed to a period of low temperature. These cold-tolerant, late emerging biotypes, which emerge in crop during winter, are the result of continuous cereal production and reliance on pre-emergent weed control; a combination that has selected for this characteristic, Dr Gill said. “Individual plants with high chill requirements occur at very low levels in the natural population but in non-crop situations this cold-tolerant biotype is disadvantaged by competition from earlier germinating weeds. Consistently killing most of the population present at seeding time advantages late germinating plants, which build up into a population with that characteristic.” Populations of this new biotype can be reduced by widening crop rotations to include a broadleaf crop such as a legume or canola that will allow grass weeds to be controlled in crop or by growing one of the new double-gene

Clearfield varieties that will enable in-crop use of a Group B herbicide, he said. The new pre-emergence chemical Sakura may also have a role in control of later emerging barley grass but is less effective against brome grass, cautions Dr Chris Preston, lecturer in weed science at the University of Adelaide. Dr Preston said the changes in brome and barley grass populations highlight the need to widen crop rotations and target weeds at different growth stages. “The aim should be to hit weed populations at every opportunity.” The control options for grass weeds are pre-sowing knockdown, with double knock a good option where there are high weed populations expected or concerns about glyphosate resistance; pre-emergence and post-emergence chemicals; and pre-harvest and harvest-time measures to prevent or reduce seed set. Crop competition can limit weed growth and seed set and is an effective and cost-efficient in-crop control option where it can be used. The recent trend towards dry seeding – before there is sufficient moisture for weed or crop germination – to maximise growing season length has increased reliance on pre-emergence chemicals for seeding-time weed control and heightened the risk of weed populations developing resistance to those chemicals, Dr Preston said. “Weed surveys show that trifluralin resistance is continuing to increase in SA and Victoria and this trend will accelerate if growers continue to rely solely on this chemical.” Trifluralin resistance in annual ryegrass is also an emerging issue in WA.

weed management

Amber light on wild radish Herbicide-resistant wild radish is widespread in WA cropping districts and there are also herbicide-resistant populations of the weed in SA and Victoria. Weeds scientist Dr Chris Preston reports that there is a scattering of wild radish populations resistant to Group B chemicals confirmed in all SA cropping districts and a smaller number in Victoria. There are also two populations resistant to 2,4-D in SA and in the Victorian Mallee. Wild radish tends to be less common in SA and Victoria, with populations typically less dense than they are in WA, but identification of herbicide-resistant populations should be seen as a warning to scout paddocks for the weed and pay close attention to its control, Dr Preston said. ‘‘Growers who notice one or two radish plants in a paddock, whether the weed is new to the property or the plants are survivors of a spray program, would be well advised to remove them by hand to prevent seed set and build up.” ‘‘For growers with established populations of the weed, hormone herbicides like 2,4-D still work well on most populations and there may be potential for strategic use of one of the new Group H herbicides to help manage the weed.”

“The availability of Boxer Gold and Sakura, which have different modes of action from each other and from trifluralin, means growers can rotate pre-emergence chemicals and choose the best chemical for a particular crop, soil type and weed spectrum,” Dr Preston said. However, growers need to familiarise themselves with the characteristics of these chemicals and how to get the greatest benefit from them. “Boxer Gold and Sakura both need rainfall to activate them and are both more water-soluble than trifluralin, which can result in crop damage if there is enough rain to wash the chemical into the root zone of the crop plants,” he said. “Sakura needs more moisture than Boxer Gold, which can influence when it takes effect. In trials last year, Boxer Gold gave better early control than Sakura. “Tank-mixing Avadex mix with trifluralin, Boxer Gold or Sakura will significantly improve their effectiveness on ryegrass and wild oats.” The potential of Sakura to remain active for a period after the crop emerges and its effectiveness on barley grass, means it may have a role in controlling late-emerging barley grass, but relying on it as the only control for such populations would heighten the risk of selecting for resistance to this new chemical, Dr Preston said. “The change in brome and barley grass populations to

germinate late in crop means seeding-time weed control has less impact on these populations, which places more pressure on other options. “The key, particularly with late-emerging populations, is to keep weed numbers down. “Growers need to keep grass weed populations low because the high incidence of resistance to Group B chemicals means there are few effective chemical controls for grass weeds in cereal crops. “Be strategic. Identify paddocks in which numbers are starting to build up and grow a crop that will allow the weed population to be reduced.” Oaten hay is one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways of preventing seed set and regaining control of a paddock in which a weed population has exploded. “Trial results have shown repeatedly that a well-managed crop of oaten hay can reduce grass weed populations, including wild oats, by about 80% in one year, which is enough to make a bad paddock workable,” Dr Preston said. “Green or brown manuring will have the same effect as long as the vegetation is killed before it can set seed. “Maintaining pressure on the target weed for another two years can reduce weed numbers to extremely low levels and complete the transition from a bad paddock to a good paddock.”

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Crop Performance Report 2012

Which varieties performed best? Detailed yield results from SARDI & NVT trials

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Contents

Viterra is pleased to be able to present you with the 2012 edition of the Crop Performance Report, which has been compiled by officers of the South Australian Research and Development Institute. With Viterraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support for this report, we have been able to deliver a new look and feel along with the new name. Formerly the SA Crop Harvest Report, this publication provides you with data from National Variety Trials and SARDI trials to assist in your planting decisions. Our colour-coded sections will enable you to easily identify the commodity you are interested in and the larger format tables are easier to read. Viterra is proud to have formed this partnership with SARDI to provide growers this report. We hope you enjoy reading it and incorporating the information into your farming decisions.

Wheat

.............................................................

New varieties Scout and Mace among top three ranked varieties again in 2011.

Barley

. ...........................................................

Feed barley variety Oxford again dominates SA National Variety Trials in 2011.

. .........................................................

..................................

Lupin & Bean

..........................

Oats

. ....................................................................

New dwarf potential milling variety Wombat proves a winner in terms of yield.

Good yields for largest seed kabuli variety chickpea Kalkee.

Faba Beans

Six released varieties and 21 breeding lines evaluated at National Variety Trials sites.

Sprays help prevent yield losses from powdery mildew, leaf and stem rusts.

.........................................

Higher than average yields achieved at most sites in 2011.

...................

Chickpeas

Lentils

.............................................................

The future of canola is in hybrids including Clearfield and triazine tolerant varieties.

Cereal Disease

. ........................................

Season favours later maturing varieties including PBA Gunyah, PBA Twilight, PBA Oura and PBA Percy.

Canola

Field Peas

Triticale

....................................................

Yields exceeds long term averages across all sites and Bogong highest yielding for fourth consecutive year.

Fiesta tops National Variety Trials and Plant Breeding Australia trials second year running.

Important notice: Although staff of the South Australian Research and Development Institute have taken all reasonable care in preparing information contained in this Crop Performance Report, neither SARDI nor their officers, staff or suppliers involved in the editing and production of this magazine accept any liability resulting from the interpretation or use of the information set out in this document. Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Mace and Scout wheats re-affirm dominance By Rob Wheeler, Leader, New Variety Agronomy, SARDI

The trials, funded by GRDC, also tested a further 28 advanced lines from wheat breeding companies operating throughout Australia. In a very successful year for trials, only one site at Penong, had unusable results but the remaining 24 sites produced grain yields which averaged 3.58 t/ha, similar to the 3.29 t/ha produced in 2009 but 15% below the 4.21 t/ha average in 2010. Grain quality within wheat NVTs was generally better in 2011 than 2010. Across all sites, grain protein, while widely varying, averaged 11.4%, compared with 10.2% in 2010. Test weights averaged 80.8 kg/hl, and were greatly improved on the average of 77.3 kg/hl in 2010, while screenings, declined from 1.9% in 2010 to 1.4% in 2011. Despite mild and wet spring weather, no sites produced any sprouted grain although low levels of black point and white grain were noted at several sites. Reflecting the above average seasonal conditions across most of South Australia, trial site yields ranged from 1.40 t/ha at Wanbi in Murray Mallee to 6.58 t/ha at Cummins on lower Eyre Peninsula and overall, 70% of sites averaged more than 3 t/ha. Despite very dry conditions during August and September, high subsoil moisture leading into seeding and mild and wet spring conditions combined with relatively low disease levels to set the scene for high yields and good grain quality. It should be noted that trials were managed to exclude any large impact of stripe rust through use of fungicide sprays. However, powdery mildew, leaf rust and yellow spot prevailed at several sites. Midseason maturing varieties were generally those most favoured by the seasonal conditions, probably reflecting the impact of the dry conditions leading into spring.

While Mace led all commercial varieties for yield, Corack and Scout each trailled by only 2% on average. Behind these, a large group of varieties comprising Espada, Emu Rock, Wyalkatchem, KordCLPlus, Gladius, Magenta and AGT Katana ranged from 5 to 9% below Mace. However these and most other varieties released in recent years easily out-yielded Yitpi, with Mace leading the group with an average advantage of almost 15%. Mace performed very consistently in all regions in 2011, although slightly lower in the South East, and appears to have the wide adaptation seen in its commercially accepted parent Wyalkatchem. Mace has good resistance to yellow leaf spot like Wyalkatchem and additionally has improved resistance to CCN, stem rust, powdery mildew, black point and taller plant height coupled with eligibility for AH classification. These features show that Mace would be suitable for wheat on wheat rotations as supported in the Pinnaroo trial data of 2011. Mace has shown good test weight, low screenings and good tolerance to pre harvest sprouting like Wyalkatchem. While stripe rust had no impact within 2011 trials, growers are reminded that Mace is susceptible to very susceptible to stripe rust. MaceÂ has a potential for large yield loss in stripe rust prone areas unless growers regularly monitor crops and are prepared to use fungicides in a preventative strategy commencing early in crop growth. The second ranked variety, Corack, recently released by AGT, closely matched Mace in all trials except those across upper Eyre Peninsula where it was significantly lower yielding. Corack is also derived from Wyalkatchem and has very early maturity, CCN resistance and good yellow leaf spot resistance. However, Corack has only modest rust resistance, being moderately susceptible to stripe rust and moderately susceptible to susceptible to leaf rust and is very susceptible to powdery mildew. Corack currently has a default ASW classification in SA, although is currently under review. (APW in Victoria). Ranking second alongside Corack last year was Scout, both producing 2% lower yield than Mace when averaged across all NVT data. However, based on 2011 trial data and longer term results, Scout has performed very similarly to Mace in most regions continued on p. 38

WHEAT

Rob Wheeler

Repeating their performance in 2010, the new wheat varieties, Mace and Scout were again among the top three ranked varieties when averaged across variety trials in South Australia during 2011. These varieties were among 32 commercial varieties tested at 25 SARDI managed, National Wheat Variety Trial (NVT) sites across South Australia in 2011.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

SA wheat variety yield performance (2011 and long term, 2005-2011, expressed as a t/ha

102 103 99 95

16 24 24 10

3.68 3.52 3.59

106 101 103

8 24 24

3.56 3.56 3.56

102 102 102

8 20 12

3.64 3.39 3.41 3.50 3.72 3.49 3.56 3.76 3.58 3.63 3.51 3.48

104 97 98 100 107 100 102 108 103 104 101 100

24 8 8 20 10 24 24 12 8 24 24

99 104 95 93 110 103 102 97 104 109 94 92 105 91 102 97 106 101 99 111 101 103 101 3.9 6

94 93 96 96 98 104 103 103 90 98 101 100 103 99 99 95 101 102 98 110 99 91 107 3.47 7

101 96 95 91 93 104 100 101 106 102 92 88 102 100 102 98 101 100 99 105 102 93 97 4.88 7

3.29 3.53 3.29 3.52 3.28 3.44 3.32

99 106 99 106 99 104 100

20 20 24 20 24 12

# trials

3.56 3.57 3.45 3.30

Long term average across sites (05-11) as %site av.

Wolseley

101 109 104 84 115 94 104 98 117 102 100 82 109 94 105 105 107 86 108 112 102 107 98 3.58 7

Sherwood

Turretfield

97 94 93 88 111 98 101 100 105 96 106 91 100 97 102 101 106 102 97 113 100 105 95 5.02 5

Keith

Spalding

102 98 97 92 100 102 101 99 96 95 101 91 98 90 99 103 107 100 98 113 97 97 95 4.88 7

# trials

Mintaro

98 133 92 85 131 105 106 73 149 111 103 70 117 88 110 95 129 93 121 128 91 113 105 1.88 21

as %site av.

Booleroo

AGT Katana Axe Catalina Clearfield Jnz Cobra Corack Correll Derrimut Elmore CL PLus Emu Rock Espada Estoc Frame Gladius Justica CL Plus Kord CL Plus Lincoln Mace Magenta Peake Scout Wallup Wyalkatchem Yitpi Site av. yield t/ha LSD (%)

2011 (% site average)

t/ha

Long term average across sites (05-11)

2011 (% site average)

Variety

South East

t/ha

Mid North

3.93 3.83 3.79 3.70

102 100 99 96

13 16 14 8

3.99 3.91 3.95

104 102 103

5 16 16

3.89 3.97 3.88

101 103 101

5 14 11

3.96 3.82 3.73 3.88 4.10 3.88 3.90 4.10 3.97 3.99 3.88 3.84

103 100 97 101 107 101 102 107 103 104 101 100

16 5 5 13 8 14 16 8 5 16 16

Durums Caparoi Hyperno Kalka Saintly Tamaroi Tjilkuri Site av. yield t/ha LSD (%) Date sown Soil Type J-M / A-O rain mm pHwater previous crop Site stresses

25 May SCL/CL 157/186 7.2 vetch de,dl

102 97 103 107 104 99 97 98 92 97 101 103 97 93 103 108 104 98 4.37 5.54 3.38 8 3 7 29 May 19 May 14 June SC/ZC LMC/MC SCL/LiC 176/334 185/303 141/320 7.5 7.3 7.4 vetch canola pasture de

26 May 3 June 8 June CL S/C C 205/256 205/274 192/269 8 8.1 8.4 lentils canola beans dl rh,dl dl

Abbreviations Soil type:

S - sand L - loam C - clay Li - light M - medium H - heavy F - fine / - separates top soil from sub soil

Site stress factors: de - preanthesis moisture stress dl - dry post anthesis bo - boron toxicity e - emergence(eg. mice) lr - leaf rust r - rhizoctonia yls - yellow leaf spot

WHEAT

Rain recorded in mm

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

and % of site average yield) Mid and lower Eyre Peninsula Long term average across sites (05-11)

3.36 3.45 3.33 3.17 3.43 3.24 3.27 3.35 3.55 3.40 3.37 3.59 3.41 3.44 3.32 3.35

100 103 100 95 103 97 98 100 106 101 101 107 102 103 99 100

5 17 11 18 20 5 5 14 8 20 20 8 4 20 20

103 99 98 111 100 99 3.9 6 1 June SL/SCL 126/209 8.2 lentil

102 103 91 105 100 100 3 8 17 May SCL 97/311 7.6 lentil md,ss

95 87 97 112 91 104 3.7 6 16 May SL 100/178 8.3 c/peas bo

# trials

5 20 20

102 102 102 92 114 97 99 91 105 106 104 90 102 93 104 91 114 95 99 107 100 109 97 4.69 6

as %site av.

104 101 102

100 87 103 101 103 103 98 95 92 110 96 85 98 97 98 97 104 111 95 111 98 106 93 3.63 7

t/ha

3.48 3.37 3.43

102 104 97 91 110 95 110 94 107 91 90 83 98 99 95 100 108 95 102 115 94 100 90 3.99 6

3.54 3.41 3.39 3.32

102 98 98 96

15 21 18 9

3.59 3.53 3.54

104 102 102

6 21 21

3.50 3.58 3.53

101 103 102

6 18 12

3.60 3.36 3.34 3.47 3.65 3.53 3.46 3.71 3.51 3.60 3.49 3.46

104 97 96 100 105 102 100 107 101 104 101 100

21 6 6 18 9 21 21 12 6 21 21

3.06 3.20 3.02 3.18 3.04 3.21 3.05

100 105 99 104 100 105 100

18 18 21 18 21 12

SARDI/GRDC & NVT (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites, 2005-2011) GRDC funded National Statistics Group

WHEAT

Data source: Data analysis by:

14 20 17 8

Wokurna

16 May SL 104/243 7.7 canola yls

103 99 98 95

Urania

13 May SL 125/213 8.0 canola e

3.45 3.32 3.28 3.19

Paskeville

15 May CL 79/254 8.1 lentil

# trials

Ungarra 103 101 102 94 106 111 98 103 95 95 102 88 85 105 95 106 101 108 100 99 107 97 104 93 4.63 6

as %site av.

Rudall 107 97 93 99 107 100 93 97 94 99 111 100 85 105 94 103 94 113 112 96 105 97 103 91 3.33 5

Long term average across sites (05-11)

2011 (% site average)

t/ha

Cummins

2011 (% site average)

100 96 96 98 110 109 92 104 100 98 100 92 99 95 99 100 105 94 101 106 101 100 92 6.58 4

Yorke Peninsula

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

except the Murray Mallee and upper EP where it is averaging 2% lower yield. This would indicate that Scout may not be as adapted to lower yielding environments as Mace however Scout led Mace in many of the higher yielding ‘softer’ environment trials of the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and South East in 2011. With midseason maturity, Scout is derived largely from Yitpi and has a similar level of susceptibility to yellow leaf spot but has very good grain size, sprouting tolerance, CCN resistance and is eligible for APW classification. Scout has good stem rust and leaf rust resistance and while rated moderately susceptible to stripe rust, has adult plant resistance to slow rust development. Observations in 2011 showed that Scout has good powdery mildew resistance but is slightly more susceptible to black point than Yitpi.

it is outclassed for many disease characteristics, and growers are seeking an alternative such as Mace. Emu Rock is a recently released variety from the Intergrain breeding program and was developed for WA growers. It is an early maturing variety with an AH classification (WA/SA/Vic). Emu Rock is susceptible to CCN but has moderate resistance to stem and stripe rust and is moderately susceptible to susceptible to leaf rust and moderately susceptible to yellow leaf spot. Across two seasons of NVT in SA, Emu Rock has produced yields slightly below Wyalkatchem on average.

Just trailing Mace, Corack and Scout were a group of very closely related varieties, Espada, KordCLPlus and Gladius. These varieties ranged from 5 to 7% below Mace on average and performed similarly at each trial site although longer term data has the ‘imidazolinone tolerant’ KordCLPlus averaging around 5% below its parent, Gladius. The dry conditions encountered during August and September 2011 probably favoured these varieties as they were bred and developed for dry conditions. Sprouting susceptibility and test weight averaging around 1 to 2 kg/ha below Yitpi will continue to thwart the wide acceptance of these varieties, which have been shown to perform well in very dry seasons. Over seven years trialling, the differences between Espada and Gladius are mainly in recieval classification (APW vs AH) and leaf rust resistance with Gladius perhaps more dominant in drier seasons and Espada in longer and wetter seasons. However the susceptibility of Gladius to leaf rust seen at Minnipa during 2011 will curb further acceptance of Gladius. Both varieties are moderately susceptible to CCN and susceptible to very susceptible to sprouting. Consequently growers in districts at risk of pre-harvest rains are advised to avoid delaying harvest of these varieties.

Their yield performance relative to Yitpi generally aligned well with previous seasons results. Of these varieties, AGT Katana is gaining popularity among growers in some districts as a premium quality (AH) variety developed for specific export markets. Katana is derived from Kukri and Tammin, has good physical grain quality similar to Yitpi albeit with some susceptibility to sprouting. With modest disease resistance, Katana is rated as moderately susceptible to stem rust and leaf rust, susceptible to CCN but moderately resistant to moderately susceptible to both yellow leaf spot and stripe rust. Katana performed similarly in most regions in 2011 but was slightly lower yielding in SE trials.

WHEAT

Yielding similarly overall to Gladius and Espada, were Wyalkatchem and Emu Rock. Wyalkatchem, the most widely grown variety in SA, has established a reputation over many years for consistently high yields across most environments. However

Trailing these varieties, but still between 1 and 5% above Yitpi, were a large group of recently released varieties including AGT Katana, Derrimut, Peake, Axe, Correll, Wallup, Lincoln, Estoc and Catalina.

Released by AGT during spring 2010, the Yitpi related variety Estoc ranked fourth in 2010 NVT but dropped significantly in 2011. This was perhaps expected since it is a later maturing variety, only flowering one or two days before Yitpi, with earlier flowering varieties favoured in 2011. Estoc was generally more than 10% behind the leaders in each district and now across four seasons of NVT evaluation has averaged around one% above Yitpi. Despite its modest yield, Estoc is eligible for APW classification and has produced good physical grain quality, with excellent test weights combined with good sprouting tolerance. Like Yitpi, It has good resistance to all rusts and CCN and is slightly less susceptible to yellow leaf spot than Yitpi. These characteristics provide SA growers with a widely adapted longer

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

season variety option relative to the many early to mid season varieties released in recent years. Also of interest among this group of similar yielding varieties was the recently released AGT variety Wallup. Wallup has an AH classification and was released last spring for the Victorian Wimmera district and other medium to higher rainfall areas in southern NSW. It has early to mid season maturity, CCN and root lesion nematode resistance, moderate stem, stripe and leaf rust resistance and is moderately susceptible to yellow leaf spot. Wallup has had limited evaluation in SA but results currently suggest it has longer term yields slightly improved on Yitpi combined with good quality and disease resistance. Another recent release which has had limited evaluation in SA was the Longreach variety, Cobra. Cobra was only evaluated within Eyre Peninsula NVT in 2011 where it produced yields generally similar to Mace. Released in WA, Cobra has an AH classification (APW under review in SA) and early season maturity with good yellow leaf spot resistance. Cobra is however, susceptible to CCN and moderately susceptible to both stripe and leaf rust.

DURUM WHEAT PERFORMANCE Much like in 2010, the 2011 seasonal conditions were generally good for durum wheat in NVT sites with few occurrences of the frost or heat stress to which they can be sensitive. The dry conditions during August and September had some impact, particularly on Yorke Peninsula where the early maturing variety, Saintly, out-yielded all later varieties. In contrast, Tjilkuri and Hyperno were top ranked within the Mid North NVT. These were among seven varieties tested in six trials throughout Yorke Peninsula and the Mid North. Saintly produced the highest average yield across all sites and was 7% above the widely grown commercial variety, Tamaroi. The recently released new variety Tjilkuri ranked second, only 1% below Saintly, while both Hyperno and Caparoi were third ranked at 4% below Saintly. Long term results show Hyperno and Tjilkuri to be equally highest yielding in the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula with no major differences in receival quality noted between them. Caparoi continues to more closely align to Kalka and Tamaroi in yield and exhibits the best grain recieval quality among all varieties tested.

WHEAT

Targeting higher rainfall zones such as the South East, a new variety Forrest was released by HRZ Wheat breeders in 2011. Forrest was only evaluated within South East NVT where it produced modest yields relative to other APW and long season varieties. Despite this, Forrest has plump grain, is resistant to black point, coupled with triple rust resistance, yellow leaf spot resistance and resistance and tolerance to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. This variety has many characteristics applicable for the South East and further evaluation is needed.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

SA wheat variety yield performance (2011 and long term, 2005-2011, expressed as a t/ha Upper, eastern and western Eyre Peninsula

100 98 99 95 104 96 109 92 97 100 108 103 102 96 96 111 110 111 93 106 102 102 95 1.99 7 25 May SCL 107/221 8.5 pasture

GRASS WEEDS NO VALID RESULT

19 May SCL 103/210 8.7 pasture wg

Warramboo

97 96 100 96 102 109 104 94 91 105 114 102 106 98 104 93 113 114 103 100 86 105 86 1.89 7 12 May LS 117/204 7.4 pasture de

Streaky Bay

100 94 102 98 113 93 87 99 93 91 112 95 93 91 100 97 113 105 95 113 100 103 85 4.24 4 6 May L 129/252 8.3 pasture Lr

Penong

107 102 100 92 105 117 91 98 91 100 103 97 100 87 106 100 115 103 102 100 97 102 87 3.84 7 27 May LS 153/265 7.2 canola lr,yls

Nunjikompita

Mitchelville

Minnipa

Variety

Kimba

2011 (% site average)

104 89 89 98 114 97 105 89 93 91 103 94 94 88 102 107 109 107 83 106 100 109 97 2.06 12 20 May SCL 124/242 7.8 fallow r

107 80 96 90 106 103 97 98 85 86 106 97 100 108 97 94 115 109 97 113 91 100 98 1.84 9 11 May SL 129/218 7.3 pasture de,pm

Abbreviations Soil type:

S - sand L - loam C - clay Li - light M - medium H - heavy F - fine / - separates top soil from sub soil

WHEAT

Site stress factors: de - preanthesis moisture stress lr - leaf rust pm - powdery mildew r - rhizoctonia wg - grassy weeds yls - yellow leaf spot

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

and % of site average yield) Murray Mallee Long term average across sites (05-11)

Long term average across sites (05-11)

1.71 1.57 1.59 1.68 1.84 1.72 1.62 1.80

102 94 95 100 110 103 96 108

39 11 11 28 17 39 39 17

1.73 1.65 1.67

103 99 100

39 39

Data source: Data analysis by:

1.81 1.78 1.70 1.54

103 102 97 88

26 38 32 15

1.87 1.82 1.74

107 104 100

10 38 38

1.75 1.83 1.76

100 105 100

10 32 21

1.87 1.65 1.68 1.73 1.88 1.79 1.76 1.83

107 94 96 99 107 102 100 105

38 10 10 32 15 38 38 15

1.78 1.77 1.75

102 101 100

38 38

SARDI/GRDC & NVT (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites, 2005-2011) GRDC funded National Statistics Group

WHEAT

11 32 22

104 97 101 82 109 107 98 87 111 113 101 81 103 95 104 95 108 102 102 100 98 106 89 2.37 10 26 May SL/LC 157/125 8.5 pasture de

# trials

98 105 100

110 107 99 75 104 111 85 93 107 99 98 98 97 95 111 84 115 99 89 86 105 85 106 1.4 17 27 May LS/SL 167/147 7.7 canola de

as %site av.

1.64 1.76 1.67

101 95 92 88 117 98 85 92 109 104 102 92 106 95 100 97 115 107 98 97 98 110 90 4.26 7 14 May SL/LC 256/156 8.1 wheat yls

t/ha

11 39 39

102 102 94 93 105 101 96 101 103 107 97 93 103 100 100 97 102 104 99 100 92 104 105 4.69 7 23 May SL/SCL 242/190 7.5 pasture

Wunkar

102 101 97

101 103 91 91 106 101 99 97 105 105 101 83 98 99 100 101 106 106 103 99 98 105 92 2.29 6 26 May LS/LS 185/116 7.2 pasture de

Wanbi

1.71 1.69 1.63

99 104 95 91 117 97 100 101 108 106 100 95 105 94 109 92 110 96 99 98 100 101 96 4.16 9 1 June SL/CL 171/241 8 pasture

Pinnaroo

28 39 32 17

Palmer

# trials

103 98 96 87

Nangari

as %site av.

1.73 1.64 1.61 1.46

Geranium

t/ha

2011 (% site average)

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

2011 wheat variety performance for grain protein (% at 11% moisture) across NVT sites

Turretfield

Mean

Keith

Sherwood

Wolseley

Mean

Paskeville

Urania

Wokurna

Mean

11.3 11.9 11.2 11.2 10.9 11.5 11.0 11.4 12.0 11.6 11.9 12.0 11.6 11.6 11.7 11.3 11.5 10.4 12.0 11.2 11.0 11.7 11.0 11.3

Yorke Peninsula

Spalding

10.6 11.5 10.3 10.7 10.2 10.7 10.7 10.4 11.7 10.8 11.3 11.2 10.6 10.6 11.1 10.9 11.0 9.7 11.3 10.8 10.9 11.1 10.9 10.8

South East

Mintaro

12.4 12.9 12.5 12.5 12.3 12.7 12.3 13.3 13.4 13.3 13.3 12.7 13.4 13.4 13.1 12.5 13.0 11.4 13.5 12.2 12.0 13.2 12.0 12.4

Mid North Booleroo

10.9 10.9 10.8 10.4 10.3 10.0 11.2 10.5 10.1 10.9 10.1 10.9

Mean

11.0 11.2 10.9 10.4 10.1 11.0 10.1 10.5 11.0 10.7 11.1

Ungarra

AGT Katana Axe Catalina Clearfield Jnz Corack Correll Derrimut Elmore CL Plus Emu Rock Espada Estoc Frame Gladius Justica CL Plus Kord CL Plus Lincoln LongReach Cobra Mace Magenta Peake Scout Wallup Wyalkatchem Yitpi

Rudall

Cummins

Lower Eyre Peninsula

14.3 14.0 14.3 14.3 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.1 14.8 14.3 16.3 15.4 14.8 16.5 14.9 15.7

12.6 13.4 12.4 12.5 12.8 12.2 11.9 12.1 13.3 13.3 13.1 12.8 13.0 12.8 13.2 12.1

10.1 10.9 10.2 10.1 9.3 10.3 9.6 10.0 9.7 10.1 10.2 9.7 9.8 9.9 10.1 9.6

14.2 12.1 12.1 13.5 12.3 13.4 13.3 14.1 12.5 13.9 13.4 14.8 13.4 14.0 14.1 12.7

12.8 12.6 12.3 12.6 12.3 12.7 12.5 12.8 12.5 12.9 13.3 13.2 12.7 13.3 13.0 12.5

10.8 10.9 10.3 10.9 9.7 10.3 10.1 10.1 10.2 10.4 10.1 11.1 10.6 11.2 10.3 10.0

10.0 10.5 9.7 10.0 10.5 9.2 9.5 9.4 9.9 10.3 9.3 9.6 9.6 9.6 10.1 9.3

11.8 12.1 11.6 12.0 12.5 10.6 11.5 11.0 11.8 11.9 11.8 12.1 12.1 12.5 12.0 11.0

10.9 11.2 10.5 10.9 10.9 10.0 10.4 10.2 10.7 10.9 10.4 10.9 10.8 11.1 10.8 10.1

11.7 12.6 11.9 12.5 11.3 11.9 11.5 12.1 12.2 12.5 13.3 12.4 12.4 11.8 12.0 11.7

11.5 12.1 11.3 11.2 10.8 11.5 11.1 11.5 11.6 12.0 12.0 11.6 11.8 11.5 11.7 10.6

11.4 11.8 11.2 11.2 10.6 12.1 11.3 11.7 11.5 12.5 11.7 12.0 12.3 11.9 12.9 11.7

11.5 12.2 11.5 11.6 10.9 11.8 11.3 11.7 11.7 12.3 12.3 12.0 12.2 11.7 12.2 11.3

12.9 15.8 14.6 14.8 15.9 15.0 14.2

12.0 12.5 12.1 12.0 13.6 13.4 11.8

9.6 9.7 10.2 9.5 9.8 10.1 9.4

13.0 14.3 12.8 12.6 13.4 13.4 12.6

11.9 13.1 12.4 12.2 13.2 13.0 12.0

10.0 11.2 10.7 9.8 10.5 10.1 10.3

10.0 9.6 9.4 9.1 10.8 10.7 9.1

11.6 11.8 11.6 11.3 12.2 12.3 11.2

10.5 10.9 10.6 10.1 11.2 11.0 10.2

11.3 12.9 12.4 11.7 12.9 12.0 11.8

10.5 11.7 10.9 10.7 11.3 11.2 11.2

10.9 12.5 11.4 10.7 11.3 11.5 11.7

10.9 12.4 11.6 11.0 11.8 11.6 11.6

2011 wheat variety performance for test weight (kg/hl) across NVT sites

WHEAT

84.0 81.9 83.6 82.4 83.0 78.5 82.8 83.4 82.2 80.2 83.0 80.7 79.8 81.2 82.4 82.4 82.0 81.7 81.5 82.9 82.6 82.3 80.9

82.5 80.5 82.7 80.7 78.5 77.0 80.5 80.4 79.0 79.1 82.5 83.0 79.1 78.7 80.0 79.0 79.0 81.7 78.0 79.9 82.1 80.8 79.8 80.0

84.0 80.9 83.9 82.2 82.7 79.1 83.1 82.7 82.0 80.2 83.2 82.2 81.5 80.6 81.0 81.5 82.6 82.8 82.1 81.7 84.0 81.9 82.7 81.7

83.5 81.1 83.4 81.8 81.4 78.2 82.1 82.2 81.1 79.8 82.9 80.4 79.7 80.7 81.0 81.3 82.2 80.6 81.0 83.0 81.8 81.6 80.9

82.1 81.6 81.2 80.9 80.6 77.6 81.0 82.6 80.3 80.8 80.9 81.1 78.9 79.2 80.6 80.1

82.9 79.1 83.2 82.1 81.0 79.7 82.7 83.0 81.2 80.0 82.9 82.4 79.6 79.2 80.0 82.4

80.0 75.9 80.4 79.1 78.2 77.5 79.0 83.0 78.9 78.4 82.0 81.4 76.6 78.5 78.0 79.6

83.1 77.6 82.9 82.0 79.6 79.0 82.0 82.0 80.8 79.6 84.0 82.9 79.4 79.2 80.2 80.7

82.0 78.6 81.9 81.0 79.9 78.5 81.2 82.7 80.3 79.7 82.5 82.0 78.6 79.0 79.7 80.7

83.2 80.5 82.6 82.1 81.6 79.6 82.5 83.0 81.6 80.4 84.8 83.6 80.5 80.0 81.0 80.8

84.1 81.0 85.6 84.0 83.1 81.9 83.7 83.5 83.1 82.4 85.5 84.0 81.9 82.2 82.9 84.0

86.0 83.9 86.1 84.6 83.0 82.8 85.0 85.6 84.8 83.4 85.6 84.9 84.8 82.5 83.8 85.0

84.4 81.8 84.8 83.6 82.6 81.4 83.7 84.0 83.2 82.1 85.3 84.2 82.4 81.6 82.6 83.3

83.4 80.8 82.8 81.8 82.1 78.5 82.6 83.4 82.1 80.2 83.3 82.3 80.4 80.9 80.7 82.1

84.1 81.9 84.6 82.7 81.1 79.1 83.0 83.5 81.9 80.8 83.4 82.8 81.1 79.2 81.4 82.1

83.1 79.2 81.9 80.0 80.7 77.2 80.2 79.2 81.6 77.0 82.4 81.4 78.7 78.0 77.7 77.4

83.5 80.6 83.1 81.5 81.3 78.3 81.9 82.0 81.9 79.3 83.0 82.2 80.1 79.4 79.9 80.5

81.0 80.4 80.5 81.2 79.5 79.4 81.8

80.7 81.3 81.7 83.3 80.6 80.5 81.0

76.9 80.0 77.4 82.0 79.5 78.2 80.0

80.7 83.0 81.0 82.5 80.3 80.4 82.5

79.8 81.2 80.2 82.3 80.0 79.6 81.3

81.0 82.0 80.1 84.4 81.8 81.3 82.9

82.7 84.0 82.0 84.8 83.6 82.9 83.6

83.8 83.9 83.6 85.7 84.1 83.8 84.0

82.5 83.3 81.9 85.0 83.2 82.7 83.5

81.6 82.4 81.7 83.6 82.4 82.0 81.5

82.6 82.4 82.7 84.5 81.9 80.8 81.1

81.4 76.3 79.5 82.9 80.8 80.0 79.6

81.9 80.4 81.3 83.7 81.7 80.9 80.7

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

11.4 13.2 11.6 11.4 12.3 12.0 11.9

9.3 10.1 9.5 9.5 9.4 9.3 10.0

10.7 11.7 11.2 10.9 12.2 11.1 11.0

10.1 10.4 10.7 10.6 10.8 10.5 11.1

10.6 11.9 10.9 11.5 11.0 11.9 11.8

10.1 11.7 10.9 10.8 11.6 10.7 12.2

10.4 11.5 10.8 10.8 11.2 10.9 11.4

82.1 79.2 82.1 81.1 80.0 78.7 81.0 82.6 80.5 79.8 83.3 82.0 79.2 79.0 80.3 79.4

83.0 81.4 83.1 82.4 82.1 79.5 81.9 83.7 81.3 80.8 83.5 83.2 80.4 80.9 80.9 80.6

84.0 82.6 83.9 82.5 83.0 80.5 83.0 84.0 82.0 81.3 83.3 82.5 82.1 81.0 81.7 82.2

80.2 77.6 81.0 79.9 80.0 77.5 79.9 82.0 78.8 77.9 81.5 81.6 76.9 77.4 78.5 77.8

81.5 78.0 80.7 79.8 81.0 76.1 80.4 81.3 79.0 79.1 80.7 81.0 77.7 76.9 78.2 80.0

82.0 80.7 82.2 81.5 81.4 79.0 82.0 82.1 80.7 80.5 82.0 81.6 79.6 79.6 80.1 79.2

82.1 79.9 82.2 81.2 81.3 78.6 81.4 82.6 80.4 79.9 82.4 82.0 79.3 79.1 80.0 79.9

80.4 82.0 80.2 82.7 81.1 80.7 81.4

81.5 81.3 81.8 83.4 82.4 80.9 82.8

81.9 82.8 83.2 84.3 82.5 82.5 82.3

79.1 80.9 78.6 82.0 79.4 79.0 81.1

79.6 80.9 79.0 80.9 79.8 79.2 80.4

81.2 81.2 81.1 82.1 80.7 81.1 80.9

80.6 81.5 80.7 82.6 81.0 80.6 81.5

12.7 13.4 12.1 12.5 11.5 12.9 11.8 12.5 13.1 13.4 13.6

8.5 9.1 8.1 8.7 8.4 8.5 8.1 8.6 9.2 8.9 8.9

12.1 12.8 11.2 11.7 10.9 11.7 11.3 11.4 11.7 12.4 12.8

11.0 11.5 10.7 10.6 10.7 10.4 10.1 10.5 11.7 11.0 11.3

11.7 12.4 10.9 11.6 11.0 11.4 11.6 11.7 12.5 12.3 12.2

11.2 11.8 10.6 11.0 10.5 11.0 10.6 10.9 11.6 11.6 11.8

13.2 13.2 13.4 11.4 12.4 12.1 14.2 11.8 11.9 12.8 12.2 13.9

8.8 9.1 8.8 8.5 9.2 8.7 8.8 8.6 8.3 9.4 8.7 8.3

12.2 12.3 12.5 10.9 11.5 10.8 12.3 11.2 10.9 11.6 11.0 12.1

10.9 10.9 11.4 10.2 10.7 10.1 10.3 10.7 9.8 10.5 10.1 9.9

12.0 11.7 12.2 11.1 11.1 12.2 11.3 11.0 10.5 12.2 11.7 11.7

11.4 11.4 11.7 10.4 11.0 10.8 11.4 10.7 10.3 11.3 10.7 11.2

80.1 77.1 79.7 78.0 79.1 74.0 78.5 78.6 77.1 76.0 78.8

79.0 78.4 79.4 78.2 79.1 76.6 77.9 79.6 78.6 77.6 81.5

82.0 79.5 80.8 79.8 79.8 76.8 81.4 81.0 80.5 78.8 81.0

82.9 80.0 82.0 81.1 81.6 78.3 82.4 82.2 81.2 79.4 82.1

79.7 75.5 77.5 76.3 78.5 73.2 76.4 76.5 76.6 74.1 78.5

80.7 78.1 79.9 78.7 79.6 75.8 79.3 79.6 78.8 77.2 80.4

76.1 75.3 77.6 77.5 78.2 79.8 76.5 76.5 81.5 78.1 78.5 77.9

77.5 77.7 78.3 77.0 77.4 79.8 78.2 76.9 80.2 78.2 79.2 79.1

78.0 78.2 77.8 79.8 79.5 81.5 79.2 80.0 82.1 80.1 80.4 80.5

79.5 79.2 79.6 81.5 80.0 81.7 81.9 81.2 83.3 81.8 81.8 80.4

74.5 73.6 75.4 75.5 76.6 78.0 75.5 76.1 80.6 75.5 76.5 77.5

77.1 76.8 77.7 78.3 78.3 80.2 78.3 78.1 81.5 78.7 79.3 79.1

11.5 11.8 11.1 11.5 10.9 11.3 11.1 11.3 11.5 11.7 11.9 11.6 11.7 11.7 11.1 10.8 11.8 11.2 10.9 11.7 11.3 11.3

82.5 79.8 82.2 81.1 80.9 78.2 81.4 82.0 80.7 79.5 82.5 79.4 79.0 79.9 80.3 81.0 80.7 80.3 82.8 80.8 80.6 81.0

WHEAT

11.2 11.4 10.9 11.6 10.2 10.8 10.9 11.1 10.6 11.2 11.6 11.8 11.2 11.3 11.1 10.8

MEAN

11.9 11.4 11.4 11.9 10.2 10.8 11.4 11.7 10.4 11.7 12.3 12.6 12.0 11.7 11.5 11.8

ALL SITES

11.5 11.3 11.2 11.9 11.1 11.1 10.9 11.4 10.9 11.6 11.5 11.7 11.2 11.5 11.5 11.3

Mean

10.5 10.8 10.3 11.1 9.6 10.6 10.7 10.3 10.3 10.8 11.2 11.0 10.6 11.3 10.4 10.0

Warramboo

Wunkar

11.1 12.3 11.0 11.6 10.3 10.9 11.3 11.2 10.8 11.2 12.0 11.3 10.9 10.9 11.4 10.8

Streaky Bay

Wanbi

9.9 10.1 10.0 10.3 8.9 9.5 9.2 10.1 9.4 9.8 10.2 11.5 10.1 9.9 9.7 9.6

Nunjikompita

Pinnaroo

12.1 12.3 11.4 12.5 10.9 11.9 11.8 11.7 11.8 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.2 12.5 12.1 11.4

Mitchelville

Palmer

Minnipa

Nangari

Upper Eyre Peninsula

Geranium

Murray Mallee

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

2011 wheat variety performance for screenings (% < 2mm) across NVT sites

Mean

Keith

Sherwood

Wolseley

Mean

Paskeville

Urania

Wokurna

Mean

0.9 0.8 1.2 0.4 0.5 1.1 1.1 0.4 0.8 0.6 0.8 0.4 0.7 0.9 0.6 1.3

1.3 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4 1.4 0.8 1.0 0.8 1.1 0.8 1.2 0.8 0.7 1.0 1.0

0.7 0.8 0.4 0.5 0.7 1.1 1.1 0.9 1.1 0.7 0.6 1.0 0.8 0.4 1.1 1.4

0.8 1.4 0.6 0.4 0.7 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.7 0.7 0.9 0.9 1.6 0.5 1.6 1.0

0.9 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.6 1.2 1.0 0.8 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.6 1.1 1.2

1.1 1.4 1.0 0.8 1.0 2.6 1.4 1.4 2.3 1.4 1.1 1.6 1.5 0.8 3.1 2.4

1.8 1.0 1.3 1.3 1.2 3.1 2.0 2.1 2.6 1.8 1.3 2.0 1.5 1.3 1.7 2.8

0.9 1.1 0.8 1.0 0.8 1.5 1.3 1.3 2.0 1.4 0.7 1.3 1.1 1.2 2.5 1.3

1.3 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.0 2.4 1.6 1.6 2.3 1.5 1.0 1.6 1.4 1.1 2.5 2.2

0.5 0.5 0.7 0.2 0.5 1.1 1.0 0.6 1.1 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.9 0.7

1.7 1.5 1.1 1.1 1.7 3.8 1.7 1.8 2.2 3.0 0.8 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.4 2.0

1.4 1.1 1.4 1.1 1.0 2.4 2.6 3.6 1.3 1.4 2.6 0.8 1.2 1.2 1.3 2.5

1.2 1.0 1.1 0.8 1.0 2.4 1.8 2.0 1.6 1.6 1.2 0.7 1.0 1.1 1.9 1.7

0.6 0.8 1.2 1.3 0.5 0.5 0.6

0.8 1.1 1.1 1.4 0.3 0.4 1.2

0.7 0.6 1.2 0.6 0.6 0.6 1.1

0.8 1.1 1.6 0.9 0.6 0.7 1.3

0.7 0.9 1.3 1.1 0.5 0.6 1.0

1.1 1.7 2.2 1.5 0.6 1.1 1.8

1.2 1.9 3.3 2.4 0.5 1.0 3.2

1.0 1.7 3.1 1.2 0.5 0.9 1.7

1.1 1.8 2.9 1.7 0.6 1.0 2.2

0.4 0.7 1.0 0.4 0.2 0.5 0.5

1.1 2.3 2.3 1.7 1.3 1.6 1.5

1.4 2.3 2.2 1.6 1.4 1.1 2.0

1.0 1.8 1.8 1.3 1.0 1.1 1.4

WHEAT

Urania

Wokurna

Mean

12.8 12.1 12.5 12.5 13.1 12.1

13.7 13.7 13.7 12.8 14.3 13.6

11.9 11.9 12.4 11.4 12.4 11.6

16.1 15.8 16.0 14.6 15.8 15.4

13.9 13.8 14.0 12.9 14.2 13.5

13.4 13.0 13.2 12.7 13.6 12.8

Caparoi Hyperno Kalka Saintly Tamaroi Tjilkuri

Mean

Paskeville

14.2 14.2 14.1 13.9 14.2 14.2

Turretfield

Mean

10.4 9.1 9.9 10.0 10.2 9.6

Spalding

Turretfield

13.8 13.1 13.4 13.5 14.8 12.6

Mid North

MEAN

Spalding

Caparoi Hyperno Kalka Saintly Tamaroi Tjilkuri

Yorke Peninsula

Mintaro

Mid North

2011 durum variety performance for test weight ALL SITES

2011 durum variety performance for grain protein (% at 11% moisture) across NVT sites

Mintaro

2.0 1.7 4.0 3.4 2.1 2.4 3.5 3.2 2.2 0.9 1.7 3.5

Turretfield

3.8 2.0 1.8 1.6 2.1 3.8 2.5 2.7 3.2 2.5 1.6

Yorke Peninsula

Spalding

Mean

5.6 1.9 1.8 2.3 2.4 5.4 2.4 2.8 3.7 3.1 1.9 4.3 2.8 2.2 5.8 3.9 2.3 3.5 5.0 3.2 2.6 0.9 1.6 4.9

South East

Mintaro

1.7 1.7 3.7 3.9 2.5 2.4 4.0 4.2 2.6 1.1 2.0 3.9

2.0 1.6 1.3 1.2 1.8 2.9 1.7 1.7 2.2 1.6 1.4 1.1 1.4 1.2 2.4 2.3 1.6 1.5 1.4 2.3 1.4 0.8 1.5 1.8

Mid North Booleroo

3.9 2.4 2.2 1.4 2.0 3.2 3.4 3.7 3.7 2.8 1.4

Ungarra

Rudall

Cummins

Lower Eyre Peninsula

83.0 81.7 82.9 80.6 81.5 80.0

83.2 80.0 83.5 78.7 80.9 80.5

81.2 79.0 81.4 80.0 79.6 79.0

82.5 80.2 82.6 79.8 80.7 79.8

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

1.1 0.5 0.9 0.9 0.6 0.5 1.0

1.0 1.1 2.1 2.3 0.7 1.2 0.9

2.5 3.3 5.0 3.2 0.7 2.2 3.2

0.2 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.2

1.1 0.8 1.2 1.0 0.6 0.7 1.1

3.7 3.0 4.8 3.2 1.4 3.0 4.3

1.6 1.5 2.4 1.8 0.7 1.3 1.8

0.2 0.4 0.5 1.2 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.8

1.3 1.1 2.1 1.4 1.3 1.5 1.6 2.5 1.3 0.7 0.9 1.2

1.0 0.8 1.1 2.4 0.8 0.7 1.7 2.2 1.0 0.5 0.4 0.6

1.5 0.9 1.9 3.4 1.2 1.2 0.3 2.0 1.0 2.0 1.5 2.8

0.9 0.8 1.3 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.2 2.0 1.0 0.9 0.8 1.4

1.7 1.3 1.1 0.9 1.2 2.3 1.7 1.6 2.0 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.0 2.0 2.0 1.3 1.6 2.2 1.5 0.8 1.1 1.8

1.0 1.4 0.8 0.7 1.1 1.1

0.7 1.0 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.1

0.2 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.5 0.6

0.9 1.9 1.1 1.3 2.0 2.1

0.8 5.6 1.2 0.7 1.3 2.7

0.6 2.6 0.9 1.0 1.3 1.8

0.7 1.8 0.8 0.8 1.1 1.5

WHEAT

Mean

0.8 1.0 0.5 0.9 1.1 1.1

MEAN

Wokurna

0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 1.3

ALL SITES

Urania

Caparoi Hyperno Kalka Saintly Tamaroi Tjilkuri

Yorke Peninsula Paskeville

82.3 79.9 81.8 80.4 80.9 79.2

0.7 1.0 0.7 1.6 0.9 0.8 1.7 2.3 1.0 1.2 1.1 1.8

Mean

82.1 79.6 81.1 81.0 81.2 78.6

1.6 0.6 1.0 0.9 0.8 1.6 1.9 1.6 1.6 0.9 1.6

Turretfield

Mean

79.5 76.7 78.1 80.0 80.6 76.0

2.0 0.9 1.1 1.7 0.8 2.2 3.1 2.9 1.9 1.4 3.0

Spalding

Wokurna

83.8 80.6 83.0 81.9 81.7 79.9

1.9 0.6 1.3 0.8 0.6 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.9 1.0 0.8

Mintaro

Urania

83.0 81.4 82.1 81.2 81.2 80.0

1.3 0.7 1.1 0.7 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.6 1.1 0.9

Mid North

MEAN

Paskeville

Yorke Peninsula

0.6 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.1 1.2 0.8 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.5

2011 durum variety performance for screenings (%) across NVT sites

ALL SITES

(kg/hl) across NVT sites

2.1 0.4 1.2 0.8 0.8 1.9 2.7 2.0 2.4 0.9 2.7

MEAN

1.8 1.9 1.0 0.9 1.7 2.8 1.7 1.3 2.2 1.3 0.9 1.0 1.6 1.1 2.2 2.1

ALL SITES

5.2 5.5 2.5 1.7 4.7 7.7 3.3 1.9 4.8 3.5 2.3 1.8 4.8 2.2 6.1 4.5

Mean

1.1 1.2 0.4 0.8 0.7 1.7 0.8 1.3 1.5 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.6 1.1 1.7 1.4

Warramboo

Wunkar

0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6

Streaky Bay

Wanbi

2.4 2.7 1.2 1.8 2.6 4.8 3.4 2.5 5.1 2.1 1.7 2.0 2.1 1.7 3.5 3.1

Nunjikompita

Pinnaroo

1.1 1.3 1.0 0.7 1.4 1.1 1.6 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.5 0.7 1.2 0.9 0.9 1.3

Mitchelville

Palmer

0.9 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.5 1.5 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.8 0.6 0.4 1.1 1.6

Minnipa

Nangari

Upper Eyre Peninsula

Geranium

Murray Mallee

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Oxford barley scores a hat trick By Rob Wheeler, Leader, New Variety Agronomy, SARDI

Rob Wheeler

Following similar performances in 2009 and 2010, the feed barley variety Oxford dominated South Australian National Variety Trials (NVT) in 2011. The mild and wet spring conditions in much of SA last year and high leaf rust incidences were ideal for the very late maturing, rust resistant, Oxford to again show its potential.

Oxford had the highest average yield among 27 commercial varieties tested at 20 SARDI managed NVT sites across South Australia. The trials, funded by GRDC, also tested a further 16 advanced lines from barley breeding programs operating throughout Australia. It was a very successful year for the barley NVT program with all sites producing useful results. The trials recorded an average yield of 3.34 t/ha, down on the 3.86 t/ha produced in 2010, with site average yields ranging from 1.56 t/ha at Streaky Bay to 6.30 t/ha at Cummins. While 70% of wheat NVT sites averaged more than 3 t/ha, for barley trials the figure was 50%, with disease and nutritional aspects probably playing a greater role in barley trials. Barley grain yields benefited from the wet spring conditions but grain quality was more variable. Across all NVT sites, average grain protein increased from 10.4% in 2010 to 12.6% in 2011. Average test weights were steady, from 66.4 to 66.9 kg/hl, screenings rose from 4.2% to 6.3% and retentions declined, from 81.2 to 72.9% in 2011. Some of the negative effects on quality resulted from leaf rust which certainly affected quality in some Yorke Peninsula and central EP sites.

Barley

The cold winter and dry September conditions greatly reduced the incidence of net and spot forms of net blotch and scald in trials but conditions were very conducive for leaf rust which infected many trials. Some trials such as those on Yorke Peninsula and central EP were badly infected before fungicides could be applied to prevent total damage. The disease control strategies employed within trials is currently under review with a possible move to controlling diseases with a high yield loss potential in future.

The new feed variety Fathom trailed Oxford across all sites by around 3% and Fleet and Hindmarsh were a further 2 and 4% behind Fathom respectively. Commander asserted its status as the leading malting variety for yield, trailing Hindmarsh by an average 3% but it was more than 8% above Buloke. However, the most consistent and leading variety within each region in 2011 was Oxford. The results mirrored 2010 when Oxford, a feed variety, produced remarkable yields when compared to older established varieties such as Keel, SloopSA and Schooner with more than a 25% overall advantage. Oxford, developed by Nickersons and PlantTech is late maturing, has good resistance to leaf rust and powdery mildew but lacks CCN resistance and is susceptible to spot form net blotch. Its combination of maturity and leaf rust resistance was a major advantage in many regions in 2011, particularly the Yorke Peninsula where many sites were badly affected by leaf rust. Despite these results, growers should consider the long term predicted performance of Oxford which, while good, aligns closely with Hindmarsh in most districts except ahead in the Murray Mallee. With late maturity, Oxford would be an option for areas like the South East and districts where Gairdner was successful. Fathom, a new feed variety recently released from the SA Barley Improvement Program led Oxford in Yorke Peninsula and central EP trials but trailed elsewhere. Its early flowering and moderate rust resistance were an advantage in districts where low August and September rainfall probably impacted on performance of later flowering varieties. Longer term yield data shows Fathom to be comparable to Fleet and Hindmarsh in most districts but it has only been evaluated in NVT trails across two years. Fathom also features resistance to CCN and many foliar diseases but is moderately susceptible to susceptible to net form net blotch and susceptible to black point. Again in a mirror of 2010 results, the trio of Fleet, Hindmarsh and Commander took out the rankings from three to five across all trials. While less than 1% separated each in 2010, in 2011 the margin was greater at 2 to 3%. Leading the group, Fleet has performed well over many

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Like Fleet, Hindmarsh also yielded well in 2011 NVT given that they are both early to mid season flowering and both similarly susceptible to leaf rust. They would have been advantaged during the dry conditions of August and September. Having now been extensively tested over six seasons in SA, Hindmarsh has established itself as a widely adapted, high yielding variety, suitable for most districts, although its short height and lower yield may preclude it from drier areas such as central and upper Eyre Peninsula. Hindmarsh has a food grade classification that may attract a premium over feed, as seen during early harvest this year, and as such Hindmarsh will be one of the most profitable options for most districts. Growers are reminded that Hindmarsh has a short coleoptile and its establishment and yield can be compromised by deep sowing, fungicide amended seed treatments and pre-emergent herbicides that affect coleoptile length. Ranking fifth across 2011 NVT, Commander was the highest yielding malting quality option in trials, averaging more than 19% above Schooner and SloopSA and 8 to 10% above Buloke and Flagship. The seasonal conditions were very suited to Commander's mid maturity and it yielded particularly well in Mid North sites where it ranked second behind Oxford. Commander has been less impressive under tight finishing conditions but these were not experienced in 2011. Commander has CCN resistance and only modest foliar disease resistance and therefore should not be grown on barley stubble. However it has excellent grain plumpness, low screenings and high retentions albeit with slightly lower test

weights and grain protein which were again seen in 2011 trials. These yield and grain characteristics will ensure that Commander is one of the most profitable varieties to grow in many districts, with a greater likelihood of achieving malt grain quality. Just trailing Commander across 2011 NVT sites was Skipper, a recently released variety from the SA Barley Improvement Program. Skipper is currently undergoing malting and brewing evaluation with its classification not finalised until early 2014. Skipper is an early to mid maturing variety similar in phenology and plant type to Buloke and Flagship. During three years of NVT evaluation, Skipper has shown yields very similar to Commander but under drier, shorter seasons would be expected to edge ahead. Skipper has a good foliar disease resistance profile relative to Commander with good resistance to both spot and net form net blotch. When averaged across trials, the yield of the malt varieties Buloke and Flagship were similar. Buloke generally leads Flagship for yield and should have been advantaged by the spring conditions in 2011, however it has developed susceptibility to a new strain of leaf rust which reduced its potential yield as seen in results from Yorke and central Eyre Peninsula where rust was rife. Despite this, Buloke and Flagship maintain a clear yield advantage over Schooner and Sloop types. Over the longer term, there is little separating these varieties with Flagship offering CCN resistance and much better spot form net blotch resistance, while Buloke lacks CCN resistance but has better leaf scald resistance and slightly higher yield potential. Both varieties have excellent malting quality suited to export markets with Flagship generally higher in screenings and Buloke lower in test weight than Schooner. Greater boron toxicity symptoms, leaf necrosis and susceptibility to sprouting have curbed interest in Flagship on farm, but market demand is strong and rewards are high for those who persist with Flagship. Notwithstanding, Flagship should be harvested without delay once the crop is mature and while enabling earlier harvest, windrowing may exacerbate the sprouting risk with this variety. The recently released imidazolinone tolerant variety Scope performed very similarly to Buloke across all districts in 2011 also showing the same

Barley

seasons and long term yield data shows it performs similar to or slightly below Hindmarsh. Fleet is similar to Barque in maturity, performs well across a range of soils including light sandy soils and has an excellent spectrum of disease resistances including CCN resistance. Fleet is a good option for all districts, and across several years of NVT has produced a similar average test weight to Keel with less than half the amount of screenings. Fleet is also suitable for stubble situations and deeper sowing by virtue of its long coleoptile.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

susceptibility to a new rust strain. These varieties are agronomically similar in all respects and despite the limited evaluation of Scope within NVT, current results confirm it to have a similar adaptation to Buloke in SA. Marketed by AWB Seeds, grower interest in Scope will be high, since it offers an option for troublesome grass control using an

appropriate BASF Clearfield herbicide. Scope is currently undergoing malting and brewing evaluation with a classification expected in March 2013. Navigator, Wimmera, Bass and Henley were among a range of new, later maturing recently released varieties currently under malting and

SA barley variety yield performance (2011 and long term, 2005-2011, expressed as a t/ha Lower Eyre Peninsula Long term average across sites (05-11)

2011 (% site average) Variety Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera Site av. yield t/ha LSD (%) Date sown Soil Type J-M / A-O rain mm pHwater previous crop Site stresses

Upper Eyre 2011 (% site average)

Cummins

Wanilla

t/ha

as %site av.

# trials

Darke Peak

Elliston

Minnipa

Streaky Bay

96 102 98 113 98 108 94 104 95 102 113 90 96 81 112 85 92 97 91 107 105 6.3 9 15 May CL 79/254 8.1 lentil ld

86 92 97 100 109 120 88 106 94 114 107 91 90 99 126 79 103 98 81 112 109 4.35 10 17 May S 59/390 5.9 canola ld,lr,wl

3.36 3.43 3.25 3.47 3.53 3.50 3.65 3.33 3.58 3.19 3.53 3.67 3.41 3.36 3.20 3.69 3.15 3.34 3.34 3.52 3.24 3.42 3.57 3.36

100 102 97 103 105 104 109 99 107 95 105 109 101 100 95 110 94 99 99 105 96 102 106 100

18 12 20 20 10 20 6 20 20 17 8 17 20 20 6 10 20 8 6 8 20 4 6

101 75 101 93 147 100 111 65 133 114 99 50 99 103 78 126 108 2.01 17 27 May SL 116/222 7.9 pasture de,dl,ld

100 53 89 107 97 104 107 117 103 69 135 74 91 107 96 71 2.71 11 13 May S 107/358 7.8 pasture lr,ld

99 71 94 108 131 95 118 123 106 71 76 108 69 94 115 105 69 2.73 8 6 May L 129/252 8.3 pasture lr,ld

108 80 68 118 122 98 107 134 87 46 68 190 44 67 153 61 53 1.56 15 20 May SL 120/235 8.4 pasture lr,ld,r

Abbreviations Soil type: S - sand L - loam C - clay Li - light M - medium H - heavy F - fine NW - non wetting / - separates top soil from sub soil

Barley

Site stress factors: de - dry preanthesis dl - dry post anthesis hl - headloss ld - lodging lr - leaf rust r - rhizoctonia ns - spot form net blotch r - rhizoctonia wl - waterlogging

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Improvement program. Its performance in 2011 was poor largely due to its susceptibility to leaf rust, highlighting the importance of fungicide strategies to achieve the yield potential of this and many other varieties with high susceptibility to leaf rust.

brewing evaluation. They generally performed well and promise to offer opportunities particularly for growers in higher rainfall areas and as an alternative to Gairdner and Baudin. However most have had only limited evaluation in NVT. Among this group, Navigator is closest to a finalised malt classification and was developed by the SA Barley

and % of site average yield) Peninsula

Murray Mallee Long term average across sites (05-11)

Long term average across sites (05-11)

2011 (% site average)

Wharminda

t/ha

as %site av.

# trials

Cooke Plains

Lameroo

Paruna

t/ha

as %site av.

# trials

98 91 98 103 128 102 117 89 105 91 94 99 72 101 79 111 82 1.93 10 12 May NWS 84/222 6.9 pasture r,hl,ns

2.31 2.20 2.06 2.26 2.33 2.50 2.20 2.49 2.09 2.34 2.46 2.36 2.18 2.47 2.03 2.19 2.24 2.36 2.10 2.24

103 98 92 101 104 111 98 111 93 104 109 105 97 110 90 97 100 105 94 100

25 12 21 25 25 8 25 25 9 12 21 23 25 12 25 12 12 12 25 -

106 77 101 98 100 90 116 101 97 82 102 126 71 114 103 92 3.93 16 1 June LS/LSCL 120/231 7.9 wheat r, lr

104 88 109 112 101 90 111 97 100 85 100 122 83 104 101 93 2.37 15 31 May LS/LSCL 190/176 7 wheat r

98 86 100 106 106 97 109 99 106 95 95 102 78 103 102 93 3.2 6 26 May S/LS 228/129 6.4 fallow

2.13 2.04 1.94 2.16 2.25 2.31 2.09 2.28 2.03 2.20 2.28 2.10 2.04 2.35 1.87 2.10 2.12 2.21 2.02 2.11

103 98 93 104 108 111 101 110 97 106 110 101 98 113 90 101 102 106 97 102

19 10 19 19 19 6 19 19 13 9 16 19 19 9 19 9 8 9 19 13

2.08

100

Data source: SARDI/GRDC & NVT (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites, 2005-2011)

Barley

Data analysis by: GRDC funded National Statistics Group

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

SA barley variety yield performance (2011 and long term, 2005-2011, expressed as a t/ha Yorke Peninsula Long term average across sites (05-11)

Arthurton

Brentwood

Bute

95 71 81 112 124 99 98 50 110 95 82 68 126 135 78 75 96 76 123 116 1.9 15 13 May SCL 144/319 7.9 wheat lr,wg

106 56 95 119 105 128 102 113 81 109 114 63 99 95 129 59 95 88 71 116 114 1.97 9 30 May SCL 145/209 8.1 wheat de,lr

105 87 98 113 111 98 111 94 106 116 87 103 105 112 83 103 109 89 99 107 4.25 7 8 June FS 116/208 6.7 lupin lr

Port Clinton

TRIAL INVALID

25 May LFS/L 136/212 8.1 wheat

Warooka

t/ha

as % sites average

103 81 100 111 94 125 107 132 96 101 121 88 87 104 107 75 111 107 85 88 109 2.95 15 7 June LS 160/238 8.1 wheat de

2.99 2.99 2.75 2.98 3.11 3.11 3.21 2.89 3.24 2.79 3.11 3.23 3.00 2.83 2.94 2.67 3.24 2.67 2.90 2.96 3.09 2.76 2.94 3.16 2.91

103 103 95 102 107 107 110 99 111 96 107 111 103 97 101 92 111 92 100 102 106 95 101 109 100

2011

# trials 32 23 32 32 30 32 9 32 32 32 12 27 32 4 32 18 17 32 12 5 12 32 17 12

Crystal Brook 100 90 102 99 114 115 92 110 94 107 108 90 101 97 87 110 86 104 103 99 91 107 112 3.76 7 20 May SCL/LMC 144/215 6.6 wheat

Abbreviations Soil type: S - sand L - loam C - clay Li - light M - medium H - heavy F - fine / - separates top soil from sub soil

Barley

Site stress factors: bo - boron toxicity de - dry preanthesis dl - dry post anthesis lr - leaf rust wg - grass weeds

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

and % of site average yield) Mid North Long term average across sites (05-11)

(% site average)

97 83 99 114 107 105 93 108 83 109 113 100 86 99 65 121 74 95 105 107 87 103 110 4.63 5 6 June LMC 149/302 7.6 wheat

Turretfield

t/ha

as % sites average

105 83 104 110 115 113 102 113 88 98 107 105 85 103 85 109 94 96 107 116 102 93 104 4.07 9 15 June SCL/LiC 142/320 7.4 pasture de

3.69 3.71 3.47 3.75 3.86 3.86 3.97 3.63 3.97 3.50 3.82 4.03 3.81 3.54 3.64 3.47 3.94 3.43 3.67 3.69 3.82 3.55 3.69 3.91 3.65

101 101 95 103 106 106 109 99 109 96 104 110 104 97 99 95 108 94 100 101 105 97 101 107 100

Longt erm average across sites (05-11)

2011 (% site average) # trials

Bordertown

Keith

t/ha

as % sites average

# trials

21 15 21 21 21 21 6 21 21 21 9 18 21 3 21 15 12 21 9 6 9 21 3 9

102 91 99 115 108 108 94 114 98 107 108 102 103 94 89 117 82 96 102 90 97 108 4.47 6 2 June CL 192/269 7.5 canola bo,dl,lr

107 90 95 107 105 108 104 108 89 102 111 97 91 101 84 109 83 97 100 110 86 98 108 4.44 7 26 May CL 205/256 8 lentils dl

3.70 3.70 3.50 3.75 3.93 3.91 3.95 3.67 3.95 3.53 3.82 3.93 3.73 3.54 3.61 3.41 3.95 3.43 3.66

102 102 96 103 108 107 109 101 108 97 105 108 102 97 99 94 109 94 101

8 11 13 13 13 13 3 13 13 13 5 11 13 4 12 9 7 13 5

3.85 3.55 3.68 3.91 3.64

106 98 101 108 100

5 13 7 7

Data source: SARDI/GRDC & NVT (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites, 2005-2011) Data analysis by: GRDC funded National Statistics Group

Barley

Salters Springs

South East

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

2011 barley variety performance for screenings (% < 2.2mm) across NVT sites

Mean

Cooke Plains

Lameroo

Paruna

Mean

1.0

2.0

0.7

0.6

1.1

0.3

0.5

0.2

0.3

1.2 0.5 2.5 1.8 0.4 1.2 0.6 3.0 0.5 1.7 0.9 4.3 0.7

5.0 1.1 3.9 1.4 0.7 1.9 1.0 4.0 0.5 1.9 3.6 4.7 0.7

3.1 0.8 3.2 1.6 0.5 1.6 0.8 3.5 0.5 1.8 2.3 4.5 0.7

0.6 0.6

0.9 0.2 0.9 0.0

0.4 0.2 0.3 0.2

0.7 0.5 0.7 0.3

0.6 0.3 0.6 0.2

0.5 1.9 1.1

0.3 0.4 0.5

0.3 0.5 1.3

0.3 0.9 1.0

0.5

0.2

0.4

1.3 0.7 0.6

0.3 0.6 0.2

0.8 0.7 0.6

0.8 0.7 0.5

0.9 0.5 0.3 1.0

2.3 2.2 0.7 0.9

1.6 1.3 0.5 0.9

5.5 1.3 5.1 1.5 0.8 1.4 1.0 4.7 0.5 2.0 3.9 5.7 0.6 3.4 1.5 1.4 1.8 0.7 1.3 1.7 0.6 0.7

0.4 0.5

0.9 1.3 0.9

0.9 0.3 0.9 0.8 0.4 0.4 0.7 0.7 0.2 1.0 1.4 2.9 0.2 0.2 1.6 0.6 1.7 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.2

0.3 0.5

0.8 1.3 1.0

7.1 1.8 2.0 1.3 0.7 1.8 0.7 8.9 0.2 2.1 2.1 8.9 1.0 7.5 1.1 1.8 2.3 0.9 0.6 1.4 0.6 0.8

1.1 0.8

1.1 1.3 0.7

8.6 1.8 12.3 2.4 1.5 2.0 1.7 4.6 1.2 3.0 8.3 5.2 0.5 2.6 1.7 1.8 1.4 0.9 3.0 3.2 1.1 1.1

1.0 1.1

0.3 0.4

0.6 0.6

0.6 0.7

0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.7 0.3 0.4

Mean

Turretfield

1.1

Keith

Salters Springs

1.0

Bordertown

Crystal Brook

South East

Mean

Murray Mallee

Wanilla

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

Mid North

Cummins

Lower Eyre Peninsula

0.5 2.5 1.3 8.7 2.4 0.6 1.0 1.7 4.5 1.2 1.7 3.5 6.0 0.5 4.6 4.4 0.7 1.7 1.5 1.4 0.6 1.7 1.1

0.4 1.4 0.8 4.6 1.5 0.5 0.7 1.0 2.6 0.7 1.1 2.0 3.3 0.4 2.4 2.4 0.5 1.0 1.5 0.8 0.7 1.0 0.8

91.9 78.2 79.8 59.2 85.0 93.5 86.1 88.2 61.8 89.6 86.0 72.2 53.4 94.9 61.1 67.5 89.6 86.9 88.2 87.8 93.0 85.2 87.1

94.9 87.5 87.5 76.7 91.2 96.2 91.5 93.0 77.3 94.0 90.1 84.3 73.5 96.7 78.8 80.6 92.3 91.2 88.2 92.8 94.5 91.8 91.1

2011 barley variety performance for retention (% > 2.5mm) across NVT sites

Barley

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

94.8

86.5

90.6

81.5

94.8

96.6

91.0

97.7

96.7

94.8

96.4

92.3 94.0 85.6 92.3 97.7 94.0 95.8 86.1 96.7 90.6 93.0 81.5 95.9

69.0 87.0 70.8 89.6 94.7 89.1 91.2 77.9 95.6 86.9 75.0 74.3 95.1

80.6 90.5 78.2 90.9 96.2 91.6 93.5 82.0 96.1 88.8 84.0 77.9 95.5

96.3 96.1

95.6 98.6 95.8 99.1

98.2 99.0 97.3 98.1

97.9 96.7 96.0 98.5

97.2 98.1 96.4 98.6

98.2 92.7 94.4

98.6 97.9 97.9

98.7 97.1 93.6

98.5 95.9 95.3

97.8

99.3

98.9

98.6

91.0 95.6 94.6

96.7 96.1 97.5

94.6 96.3 97.9

94.1 96.0 96.6

96.1 96.8 97.0 94.3

84.6 85.4 95.7 94.0

90.3 91.1 96.4 94.2

62.5 84.6 69.5 88.6 93.3 86.7 90.2 61.5 93.8 82.5 77.2 62.3 95.6 77.9 85.5 84.3 83.1 93.6 89.4 87.2 93.1 92.3

98.5 97.4

93.0 89.3 91.6

84.7 91.7 87.1 94.8 97.8 94.7 96.5 87.9 98.2 87.2 89.8 80.8 97.9 96.6 87.0 91.2 84.8 95.5 96.3 95.4 97.8 97.3

98.1 96.5

93.5 85.6 89.3

59.3 86.9 83.0 91.7 96.6 90.6 93.5 41.2 98.3 86.8 89.8 48.8 93.9 64.1 88.5 85.7 83.8 95.9 95.8 91.6 96.1 91.8

92.4 94.3

92.4 92.9 94.0

43.5 75.3 38.3 79.1 85.5 74.7 80.5 55.5 85.0 73.5 52.1 57.3 95.1 72.9 81.1 76.1 80.7 89.5 76.0 74.7 85.3 87.8

96.2 94.2

98.7 98.3

98.3 97.8

97.7 96.8

97.9 96.7 95.2 94.2 97.3 98.9 97.0 97.8 92.7 98.3 94.2 96.5 93.7 98.6 96.5 93.6 95.1 95.5 97.8 96.0 98.5 95.2

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Mean

Arthurton

Brentwood

Bute

Port Clinton

Warooka

Mean

11.5

13.8

10.4

9.8

27.0

1.6

0.1

4.3

0.6

6.7

7.9 4.1

31.0 15.3

36.3 19.3

9.8 14.6

12.5 13.0

19.5 13.3

58.4 38.2

0.9 0.4

5.3 1.9

0.8 2.5 6.1 3.1

17.3 9.4 22.0 3.4

16.2 5.9 32.7 3.6

9.2 12.2 19.2 8.1

4.2 6.7 12.1 4.4

9.5 7.3 18.4 4.5

4.0 14.7 43.5

1.8 12.1 34.8

3.3 20.7 38.5

3.5 20.8 40.5

9.2 12.0 18.7

4.3 16.0 35.2

7.1

6.9

9.6

7.0

3.8

6.9

22.3 11.2 33.1 22.0 66.3 12.4 31.6 30.0 3.9 9.2

8.7 2.9 6.4 2.0 1.3 2.9 1.6 4.1 1.3 4.0 13.6 3.5 0.5

0.7 0.3 0.6 0.0 1.5 0.2 0.4 0.3 1.5 0.2

1.0 1.3 7.1 0.4 4.1 1.1 3.3 5.1 4.1 0.5

1.2 1.0 0.9 1.5 0.3 0.8 0.6 2.4 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.9 0.3

14.9 8.9 3.7 5.5 2.9 8.9 4.9 15.7 3.1 8.0 10.0 3.0 2.1

4.6 2.6 4.3 1.9 12.1 1.7

4.8 21.5 18.9 3.8 25.3 24.7

4.3 37.3 23.0 3.7 23.4 40.0

10.4 8.7 20.0 5.5 16.2 20.1

6.2 17.8 11.2 11.4 12.7 21.2

6.1 17.6 15.5 5.3 17.9 21.5

18.1 23.0 40.9

1.9 4.3 2.9

0.9 0.1 0.3

3.5 5.6 1.2

0.9 0.8 1.2

5.0 6.7 9.3

21.4 26.9 14.8 17.8

2.4 4.9 0.5 0.9

0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0

1.1 13.3 1.6 1.6

0.7 1.1 0.9 0.3

5.1 9.3 3.6 4.1

59.0

44.3

31.3

26.6

42.7

40.8

18.2

78.5

96.6

62.7

95.8

70.3

42.5 57.1

15.8 25.7

10.9 17.1

41.0 22.8

37.9 29.1

29.6 30.4

4.8 7.3

88.3 92.5

58.4 73.3

91.2 69.2 43.1 72.4

39.9 42.1 20.1 66.8

35.7 59.0 15.8 56.5

55.0 33.3 17.8 47.7

68.3 65.0 39.6 58.4

58.0 53.7 27.3 60.4

73.3 30.0 13.1

80.8 37.6 16.2

65.2 18.7 8.8

76.1 16.2 9.9

45.7 39.1 35.5

68.2 28.3 16.7

52.6

56.7

39.5

53.5

72.1

54.9

29.7 44.7 12.2 21.6 4.5 44.0 11.5 14.2 67.1 61.2

34.2 61.2 50.3 85.0 88.5 69.6 80.0 64.1 85.7 51.6 18.7 70.0 93.6

95.9 97.9 94.9 99.3 86.2 98.8 95.9 96.5 84.9 97.9

92.4 88.8 54.2 94.3 63.1 91.9 68.6 53.4 70.2 94.8

89.6 90.4 88.3 91.4 98.0 95.0 97.1 82.3 96.1 95.5 91.2 82.8 95.9

55.0 64.9 69.3 78.9 83.6 65.2 78.5 60.0 83.3 64.6 54.8 75.0 88.7

65.3 63.3 57.6 77.0 31.9 76.8

67.6 21.4 20.3 76.9 24.7 15.2

53.8 9.9 13.8 67.4 30.5 11.3

48.9 52.5 14.2 61.1 27.2 19.7

57.6 24.1 34.8 39.1 42.8 17.4

58.6 34.2 28.1 64.3 31.4 28.1

37.3 24.9 7.0

83.3 59.5 64.1

90.0 97.8 94.9

77.8 60.5 80.1

93.5 93.3 90.6

76.3 67.2 67.3

23.0 19.2 43.5 42.8

67.8 62.3 93.4 90.9

98.5 98.2 97.5 97.2

88.9 45.7 91.5 84.9

95.5 90.9 95.0 97.8

74.8 63.2 84.2 82.7

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

7.5 4.6 3.5 2.3 5.8 2.1 1.7 5.1 9.6 1.9 2.8 5.1 5.1 4.8 6.3

70.2 75.7 84.0 85.8 74.8 85.6 88.7 75.0 68.8 88.1 81.4 76.7 76.3 79.3 75.7

Barley

Wharminda

7.8

MEAN

Streaky Bay

5.7

ALL SITES

Minnipa

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

Elliston

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

Yorke Peninsula

Darke Peak

Central and upper Eyre Peninsula

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

2011 barley variety performance for test weight (kg/hl) across NVT sites

Mean

Cooke Plains

Lameroo

Paruna

Mean

69.1

66.0

70.3

70.5

68.9

70.8

69.2

69.7

73.9 70.1 70.5 70.8 72.9 72.2 70.7 70.7 70.1 74.0 70.4 73.0 70.5

64.5 67.5 64.0 67.1 65.7 68.2 67.2 66.5 66.2 68.1 65.0 67.2 67.6

69.2 68.8 67.3 69.0 69.3 70.2 69.0 68.6 68.2 71.1 67.7 70.1 69.1

69.8 69.6

71.5 71.1 72.7 70.4

68.0 68.0 71.5 68.6

65.1 66.2 69.5 66.4

68.2 68.4 71.2 68.5

71.6 71.5 72.4

68.5 69.9 70.6

65.0 69.2 68.7

68.4 70.2 70.6

71.0

69.0

68.6

69.5

71.6 73.6 70.7

69.2 69.9 71.0

67.0 69.1 69.2

69.3 70.9 70.3

71.3 70.7 75.2 70.3

65.0 65.9 68.8 67.2

68.2 68.3 72.0 68.8

66.8 67.5 67.4 68.3 68.2 70.8 68.4 68.2 67.1 69.3 67.9 68.6 69.1 66.0 69.8 70.5 67.0 69.8 68.6 69.7 70.2 69.1

69.1 68.6

69.7 71.6 69.8

70.6 69.5 70.9 70.1 70.2 73.1 70.4 72.2 68.7 71.7 69.8 71.7 70.5 69.0 71.1 72.7 68.2 72.5 71.0 72.2 71.6 70.7

69.8 69.0

68.0 68.7 66.1

65.9 67.6 68.4 68.2 68.5 70.9 70.2 66.3 66.7 68.8 68.4 66.4 69.0 61.5 69.2 70.9 67.2 69.6 68.8 70.1 69.1 69.0

70.5 71.1

71.4 74.4 73.4

64.0 65.3 62.9 66.7 66.0 68.4 64.6 66.2 66.0 67.4 65.5 67.7 67.9 67.5 69.0 67.8 65.5 67.2 66.1 66.9 70.0 67.5

70.9 71.4

68.7 69.5

67.2 68.8

68.9 69.9

71.9 71.6 70.5 70.4 70.1 71.5 72.8 70.4 72.1 69.1 71.7 71.9 72.1 71.7 69.0 70.6 72.2 70.6 71.1 71.0 72.2 70.0

Mean

Turretfield

65.1

Keith

Salters Springs

73.1

Bordertown

Crystal Brook

South East

Mean

Murray Mallee

Wanilla

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

Mid North

Cummins

Lower Eyre Peninsula

71.2 69.5 68.5 67.0 68.0 68.5 71.4 69.0 69.1 65.6 70.2 68.5 69.1 69.5 66.4 69.7 71.4 68.9 70.2 68.7 69.6 70.0 69.0

71.6 70.6 69.5 68.7 69.1 70.0 72.1 69.7 70.6 67.4 71.0 70.2 70.6 70.6 67.7 70.2 71.8 69.8 70.2 69.9 70.3 71.1 69.5

2011 barley variety performance for grain protein (% at 0% moisture) across NVT sites

Barley

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

14.5

11.5

13.0

12.2

13.7

11.5

12.5

13.0

11.4

9.5

11.3

12.9 12.7 13.3 13.6 14.1 14.2 14.1 14.0 12.7 13.2 13.2 13.3 13.8

10.8 10.6 10.5 10.0 10.4 11.1 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.9 10.8 10.9 11.6

11.9 11.7 11.9 11.8 12.3 12.7 12.3 12.3 11.7 12.1 12.0 12.1 12.7

11.6 10.6

11.6 13.1 13.0 12.6

10.4 11.4 11.4 11.1

9.3 9.4 9.8 9.0

10.4 11.3 11.4 10.9

12.2 13.3 12.9

11.4 11.3 11.2

8.7 9.1 9.3

10.8 11.2 11.1

13.1

11.9

10.0

11.7

11.3 13.2 12.1

10.3 13.4 11.3

8.8 10.7 9.6

10.1 12.4 11.0

13.8 13.4 12.9 13.3

10.5 10.7 10.9 11.1

12.2 12.1 11.9 12.2

12.6 11.1 12.5 11.2 11.9 12.3 11.8 12.1 11.3 12.1 11.9 12.3 12.3 11.1 11.4 11.9 11.5 12.1 11.7 12.3 12.0 12.3

10.0 9.3

11.1 12.2 12.0

12.9 11.0 12.5 11.3 11.8 12.0 11.3 12.1 11.3 12.6 12.3 13.4 12.2 11.2 11.4 12.4 11.9 12.3 11.6 12.4 12.5 12.4

12.4 10.9

9.9 10.1 11.0

13.0 11.1 12.7 11.4 12.5 12.8 12.7 12.4 11.5 12.9 12.0 12.0 12.9 10.8 11.0 12.7 11.5 11.7 12.2 12.6 11.9 12.7

12.4 11.7

12.2 14.2 13.0

11.9 11.2 12.4 10.9 11.4 12.0 11.5 11.7 11.2 10.8 11.4 11.6 11.7 11.2 11.7 10.7 11.2 12.4 11.3 11.8 11.6 11.8

13.3 12.4

11.3 11.7

9.6 9.9

11.4 11.3

13.1 11.9 11.5 11.7 10.8 12.0 11.7 10.7 10.9 10.8 11.7 11.0 10.6 12.2 11.3 10.5 12.2 11.6 11.4 11.8 12.1 11.6

11.5 11.4 11.6 11.7 11.1 11.0 11.5 10.5 12.2 11.2 11.2 11.0 12.4 11.3 10.6 11.3 11.5 11.7 12.0 10.7 10.9 11.6 11.4

12.3 11.7 11.6 11.7 11.0 11.5 11.6 10.6 11.6 11.0 11.5 11.0 11.5 11.8 11.0 10.9 11.9 11.7 12.0 11.1 11.4 11.9 11.5

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Wharminda

Mean

Arthurton

Brentwood

Bute

Port Clinton

Warooka

Mean

60.8

58.1

60.5

61.6

56.6

66.1

68.7

66.6

69.1

65.4

65.8 64.9

61.1 62.0

59.5 61.2

61.0 60.7

64.0 61.6

62.3 62.1

51.1 54.4

68.2 68.1

65.0 65.7

66.6 64.0 67.7 63.3

64.1 60.3 65.4 62.9

62.4 61.5 60.7 61.5

62.2 58.3 61.2 57.5

62.7 63.7 65.0 62.5

63.6 61.6 64.0 61.5

64.2 63.5 57.7

65.7 64.0 60.4

61.2 61.1 58.2

61.5 57.3 55.9

60.6 64.4 60.4

62.6 62.1 58.5

62.8

65.6

61.5

60.3

63.6

62.8

57.7 60.0 57.1 56.4 50.7 55.0 56.8 57.6 53.8 59.6

64.6 66.0 65.7 67.2 66.0 68.1 67.0 66.4 66.7 65.0 61.7 68.5 66.4

68.3 68.4 71.0 70.5 68.7 67.0 70.3 68.5 69.0 68.0

65.5 66.7 66.9 68.1 65.7 66.5 66.9 65.0 66.9 67.8

69.5 69.7 69.9 67.6 70.7 71.6 70.7 71.0 68.1 71.5 69.5 70.7 70.0

63.7 64.8 67.8 65.3 66.4 66.9 66.5 64.5 64.7 66.1 64.5 65.8 66.4

67.5 68.0 65.4 67.9 63.5 66.3

70.6 65.5 63.7 70.0 61.4 61.9

64.1 62.4 60.0 63.7 60.8 57.8

63.2 64.2 59.2 62.7 60.2 57.3

65.6 63.2 62.1 62.0 61.2 59.8

66.2 64.7 62.1 65.3 61.4 60.6

59.0 61.4 54.4

71.0 67.9 65.6

68.5 70.5 68.6

68.0 68.2 66.8

71.2 71.7 69.3

67.5 67.9 64.9

57.0 57.6 59.6 58.9

67.0 66.3 70.5 69.0

68.9 70.0 70.0 69.5

66.8 63.7 68.2 68.5

69.4 70.0 69.7 70.6

65.8 65.5 67.6 67.3

18.8

14.0

17.0

13.2

14.1

15.4

11.6

13.7

13.1

12.4

12.9

17.1 16.6

13.3 13.1

17.1 15.1

11.5 11.8

13.3 12.9

14.5 13.9

11.7 10.8

13.9 13.4

12.2 12.2

16.6 16.8 18.8 18.4

12.6 13.5 14.2 13.5

15.4 15.7 17.2 15.2

11.3 12.4 12.8 12.0

13.5 13.4 13.8 13.9

13.9 14.4 15.4 14.6

17.2 17.3 17.2

12.8 13.2 12.0

14.6 16.1 14.1

12.4 11.8 12.0

13.8 13.5 12.8

14.2 14.4 13.6

17.0

14.0

17.0

13.1

14.2

15.1

10.2 10.6 11.1 11.2 12.7 10.8 10.5 10.2 12.2 11.1

13.1 13.8 13.1 13.3 12.2 12.9 13.4 13.1 13.6 12.8 11.6 13.1 14.5

12.8 13.4 13.8 13.4 13.8 13.1 13.7 12.8 13.8 14.2

12.1 12.1 12.9 12.4 13.2 13.4 12.2 10.7 13.1 13.9

12.5 12.0 11.6 12.1 11.9 12.7 11.6 12.1 12.0 11.2 11.8 12.0 11.7

12.7 12.4 12.4 12.1 12.0 12.7 12.4 13.0 12.6 12.1 11.4 12.8 13.1

17.5 18.0 16.5 18.8 17.2 16.8

12.8 12.4 13.4 15.0 12.3 13.2

15.4 16.7 15.7 16.5 15.1 16.5

11.0 12.4 11.7 13.3 11.8 12.7

12.7 14.1 13.5 14.9 13.5 13.9

13.9 14.7 14.2 15.7 14.0 14.6

9.9 10.8 10.9

12.9 13.9 13.2

12.8 14.7 12.9

12.4 12.7 12.1

11.3 13.0 11.3

11.9 13.0 12.1

9.9 11.2 10.7 11.6

12.5 13.0 14.0 13.9

13.3 13.8 14.2 14.5

12.0 12.6 14.0 13.9

11.2 11.4 13.6 11.7

11.8 12.4 13.3 13.1

MEAN

Streaky Bay

63.8

ALL SITES

Minnipa

65.0

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

66.9 66.9 66.6 66.8 68.8 66.8 66.0 67.7 66.3 67.5 68.5 69.0 67.1 66.9 67.0 11.3

12.1 11.5 11.3 11.8 12.1 11.6 11.6 11.7 11.4 12.5 11.1 12.4 11.7 11.5 12.0

Barley

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

Elliston

Barque Bass Baudin Buloke Capstan Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Henley Hindmarsh Keel Macquarie Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Scope Shepherd Skipper Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

Yorke Peninsula

Darke Peak

Central and upper Eyre Peninsula

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Variety and fungicide may make the whole package By Trent Potter, Research scientist, SARDI, Struan

in the southern Mallee and many of the crops are The 2011 season followed one being sown to varieties that have a low level of of the wettest summers in blackleg resistance. The increase in blackleg can memory so crops went into be attributed to a greater area being sown to winter with significant sub soil canola in 2010 and 2011, as well as the summer moisture. However, a dry April and autumn rain in 2010-11 that resulted in a likely and May resulted in the small more rapid and greater release of blackleg spores canola seed sometimes being throughout the district. With a further increase sown into a drying profile and in area being cropped to canola in 2012 blackleg emergence was variable in some Trent Potter may begin to be an issue in the Mallee. While the areas. Emergence was delayed levels of internal infection are not as high as noted at the Bordertown site until in the medium to high rainfall zone, if the amount good rain fell later in June. In of blackleg continues to increase, we should be some commercial crops there was also evidence of looking to move to varieties with better resistance seedling burn from having high rates of fertiliser in or consider limited use of fungicides in future. close proximity to the seed row. Little or no mouse damage was observed at any NVT canola trial site, Research over the past several years has shown that the opposite situation to that seen in 2010. Generally canola varieties that are grown very intensively in good rain fell at all sites during winter and early spring. Sites at Frances and Bool Lagoon in the South a given region can have their blackleg resistance reduced. This is because a blackleg race can develop East were particularly affected by water logging that can overcome this varietal resistance. It is and three trials were too variable for results to be recommended that growers should rotate canola released. Many sites suffered from a dry spell after varieties or change them after a couple of years to mid September when crops were just finishing flowering. Long term early maturing canola 2005-2011 OnÂ Eyre Peninsula and in the Mid North, rains later in October helped grain fill. However, in the Upper Eyre Yorke South East Mid North South East, the rest of spring Peninsula Peninsula was very dry and crops relied on % # % # % # % # stored moisture and relatively Variety mean trials mean trials mean trials mean trials mild conditions to produce the yields that they did attain. Conventional In 2011, for the first time, all NVT canola trials were treated with Impact-in-furrow (Flutriafol at 400 g a.i. per hectare) and blackleg was not an issue at any trial site. Care will have to be taken when looking at trial results in comparison to previous years.

Canola

In late 2011, we conducted a survey of canola crops in the southern Mallee to determine the level of blackleg that was present. We are now seeing a greater level of blackleg

AV Garnet

118

Hyola 433

114

116

Hyola 50

114

Tarcoola

Site mean (t/ha)

1.86

1.35

112

115

101

1.56

1.66

Triazine tolerant ATR Cobbler

104

CB Jardee HT

114

106

CB Mallee HT

105

CB Scaddan

100

CB Tanami

101

CB Telfer

Tawriffic TT

108

105

Site mean (t/ha)

1.56

1.35

106

102 103 1.55

4 3

105

114

102

100

101

1.71

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Long term mid maturing canola 2005-2011 South East Variety

Lower Eyre Peninsula

Mid North

Yorke Peninsula

% mean

# trials

% mean

# trials

% mean

# trials

% mean

# trials

111

108

107

Conventional 109

100

CB Agamax

100

102

103

Hyola 433

107

108

107

Hyola 50

112

111

109

112

Victory V3001

100

Victory V3003 Site mean (t/ha)

2.05

1.90

2.28

Clearfield Hyola 474CL

Hyola 575CL

110

105

Pioneer 44C79

101

103

Pioneer 44Y84

102

Pioneer 45Y82

102

105

104

100

103

101

There has been a wide range of new varieties available for 2012 sowings. Many of these varieties are hybrids and the likelihood is that in future many more hybrids will be released. When you make your choice about new varieties you should rely on NVT data from the NVT website and any of your own ideas from observing trials in 2011. The new blackleg ratings will be released in early March and will be available on the Australian Oilseeds Federation website: www.australianoilseeds.com.

Conventional varieties

CB Jardee HT

114

CB Junee HT

110

113

CB Mallee HT

104

103

107

CB Scaddan

100

Conventional canola varieties were only tested at seven sites. Of these, the sites at Frances, Yeelanna and Keith showed no significant difference in canola yield. In most trials, AV-Garnet and Hyola 50 produced high grain yields as has been seen since they were released. The new variety AV-Zircon has been released mainly for lower Eyre Peninsula to replace AVGarnet as it is believed to have a different combination of blackleg resistance genes. Yields of AV-Zircon and AV-Garnet were similar at Yeelanna but AV-Garnet performed better at Mount Hope. In the lower rainfall sites Hyola 433 also performed well. The addition of a fungicide to control blackleg has also

2.27

Pioneer 46Y78

101

Pioneer 46Y83

105

108

105

104

Site mean (t/ha)

1.80

1.91

2.36

2.60

Triazine tolerant ATR Cobbler

103

101

103

ATR Snapper

106

111

109

108

ATR Stingray

112

114

110

109

CB Henty HT

130

3 7

111

115

112

3 7

107

103

CB Tanami

CB Telfer

CB Tumby HT

102

104

106

110

Crusher TT

128

125

119

121

Hyola 444TT

107

105

Hyola 555TT

128

125

119

124

113

111

113

102

Hyola 751TT

123

Monola 506TT

Monola 605TT

102

Monola 707TT

Monola 76TT

105

104

107

Monola 77TT

106

104

108

Tawriffic TT

105

103

102

104

Thumper TT

118

122

109

105

Site mean (t/ha)

1.70

1.64

2.14

1.98

continued on p. 60

Canola

reduce this occurring. We have developed the Blackleg Risk Assessor to help farmers and consultants to understand the factors that assist blackleg to overcome resistance and how to manage it. This publication is available at www.grdc.com.au.

AV Garnet AV Zircon

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

SA NVT Clearfield, Conventional and TT Canola Variety Yield performance in 2011 (expressed as % of trial site mean) Mt Hope

Yeelanna

103 89 110 93 111

105 105 99 101 100

2.40 14 96 87 111 90 115

2.62 8 95 105 101 98 101

2.41 17 101 99 104 100 79 122 116 103 100 97 115 93 107 107 83 86 72 95 89 89 113

2.53 6 99 110 107 102 84 121 115 96 90 91 114 98 112 103 84 94 88 89 93 92 108

2.33 13 5 May LS 78/336 5.2 wheat dl

2.46 9 5 May LSCL 96/297 7.7 wheat

Riverton

Arthurton

Turretfield

Bool Lagoon

not sown

waterlogged

103 93 101 99 102

93 95 104 96 99

91 95 104 97 98

3.80 8 96 101 112 114

4.21 9 96

3.36 8 93

103 100 93

95 112

93 76

109 109 90 99 110 102 118 104 90 95 76 103 98 97 94 98 3.55 9 25 May CL/LMC 132/318 7.1 wheat

111 105 103 95 111 95 110 104

107 94 102 100 113 90 120 100

99 102 97 87

98 100 91 90

3.87 7 13 May CL/SCL 145/319 8 beans w

2.98 9 26 May SCL/LiC 142/320 7.4 pasture

Variety

Canola

AV Garnet AV Zircon CB Agamax Hyola 433 Hyola 50 SARDI515M Victory V3001 Victory V3002 Victory V3003 Site mean (t/ha) lsd (% of site mean) Hyola 474CL Hyola 575CL Pioneer 44Y84 Pioneer 45Y82 Pioneer 46Y83 Xceed Oasis CL Pioneer 43Y85 Pioneer 44C79 Pioneer 43C80 Site mean (t/ha) lsd (% of site mean) ATR Cobbler ATR Gem ATR Snapper ATR Stingray Bonanza TT CB Henty HT CB Jardee HT CB Junee HT CB Mallee HT CB Scaddan Crusher TT Hyola 444TT Hyola 555TT Hyola 751TT Monola 506TT Monola 605TT Monola 707TT Monola 76TT Monola 77TT Tawriffic TT Thumper TT CB Telfer Site mean (t/ha) lsd (% of site mean) Date sown Soil Type Rainfall J-M/A-O pHwater Previous crop Site stresses

Abbreviations Soil type: S - sand L - loam C - clay Li - light M - medium H - heavy F - fine Site stress factors: lo - lodging bl - blackleg f - frost h - hail htg - high temp at grain fill wa - waterlogging md - mouse damage w - weeds de - dry pre flowering dl - dry after flowering pe - poor emergence

waterlogged

146 112 82 79 110 99 121 131 92 88 84 92 111 98 102 1.85 22 3 May C/limestone 254/374 7.2 beans wa

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Bordertown

Frances

Spalding

Minlaton

108 100 106 97 115 97 91 107 97 2.45 11 85 92 106 105 106

109 102

not sown

127 118 108 92 97 120 86 100 106 82 99 82 91 107 92 80 106 1.85 25 25 May CL 192/269 7.9 pasture de, dl

Lock

Lameroo

111 101 101 92 105 88 103 100

111 105 101 113 114 67

106 102 109 109 100 91 89

103 98 108

2.22 13 100 100 107

1.62 12 113 117 117

1.53 11 96 110 114

98 86 95 2.95 10 98 104 98 92 104 110

107 83 88 2.24 7 100 92 103 94 108 100

97 98 98 106 103 2.06 13 waterlogged

85 107 82 106 125 97 101

90 93 105 102 101

3.28 7 90 116 107 101 88 99 97 101 104 110 96 101 107

87 122 93 116 113 92 94 70 99 103 110 105

95 100 87 91

1.44 24 19 May L 214/304 6.7 pasture wa

3.08 7 3 May SCL/CL 167/310 6.2 oat hay pe

102 94 114 100 115

68 99 94 88 1.49 9 99 106 110 112

92 90 87 1.30 13 109 115 97 93

92 87

104 124

115 122

103 112 88 88 107 113 81

104

100 93 77 2.63 8 13 May SCL 148/236 7.4 barley md

106

105

79 1.96 20 12 May L 205/256 6.3 beans

78 1.60 19 11 May SL 145/248 6.7 barley pe

96 1.16 10 24 May SL 271/189 8.1 wheat dl

Data source: SARDI/GRDC & NVT Data analysis by: GRDC funded National Statistics Group

Canola

2.23 13 98 91 113 110

Keith

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

meant that CB Agamax performed much better in 2011 than in 2010 where blackleg had a significant effect on yield. If you are intending to grow CB Agamax we recommend you apply a fungicide to assist to control blackleg. The specialty type hybrids from Cargill were only assessed in the South East as they will be marketed in a closed loop. Of these types Victory V3002 appears to have most potential as it has the best maturity to suit the district. These specialty hybrids may not be contracted until 2013.

entered into (Mount Hope, Yeelanna, Bool Lagoon, Frances and Bordertown). Performance in lower rainfall sites was not so good. I would recommend that CB Henty HT be treated with a fungicide to control blackleg and only be grown in medium to high rainfall areas.

Clearfield varieties

Crusher TT and CB Jardee HT performed very similarly across all sites under test except at Frances and Spalding where Crusher TT was higher yielding than CB Jardee HT. However Crusher TT is rated MS (P) and CB Jardee HT is rated MS for blackleg resistance. It is strongly recommended that both varieties only be grown with a fungicide where blackleg pressure would be considered to be mediumÂ to high.

The early mid to mid season Clearfield varieties were successfully tested at seven medium to high rainfall sites and four sites with lower rainfall. There was no significant difference between varieties at Turretfield and Riverton. The hybrid 44Y84 was highest or near highest yielding variety at all mid season sites as well as the four early maturity sites. 44Y84 is currently rated as MR-MS for blackleg so it would be recommended to be treated with a fungicide especially in higher rainfall areas. 46Y83 produced high grain yields at all mid season sites and is rated as MR for blackleg resistance. Hyola 575CL produced high grain yields at Yeelanna, Lock and Lameroo. Hyola 575CL is MR for blackleg resistance. Hyola 474CL performed best at Lock and Minlaton. The early maturing open pollinated varieties 44C79 and 43C80 performed poorer than 44Y84 at all lower rainfall sites. The new early maturing hybrid 43Y85 yielded well at Keith in comparison to 44Y84 but not so well at Minlaton, Lock and Lameroo. The biggest decision for farmers in low rainfall areas is whether to sow the open pollinated varieties that may have a yield penalty compared to the early flowering hybrids or to invest more money up front on hybrid seed and have to rely on a good finish to the season to make it pay. An early seasonal break may help to make this decision.

Triazine tolerant varieties Thirteen triazine tolerant canola sites were sown and successfully harvested in 2011.

Canola

The new hybrid TT canola variety CB Henty HT performed well, topping all mid season trials it was

Hyola 555 TT performed consistently well across all sites (ranging from 100-124% of the site mean yield). It is provisionally rated as MR for blackleg resistance.

The new TT variety ATR-Gem produced grain yields above the site mean at Yeelanna, Riverton, Frances, Spalding, Minlaton and Lock. ATR-Gem is rated MR (P) for blackleg resistance. ATR-Snapper performed above the site mean yield at all mid season sites except Turretfield, Bool Lagoon and Frances. ATR-Stingray performed above the site mean at all mid season sites except at Bool Lagoon. With the assistance of a fungicide some of the above mentioned varieties performed better than in previous years. One variety to perform relatively worse than in 2010 was Thumper TT which is rated MR (P) for blackleg resistance. Thumper TT yielded above the site mean at Mount Hope, Yeelanna, Bool Lagoon and Frances but less at the other sites. At the lower rainfall sites a series of varieties performed quite well. Better performing varieties were Hyola 555 TT, Hyola 444 TT and ATR Snapper. ATR Stingray and Bonanza TT also did well at one or more sites compared to other canola varieties. The specialty TT canola varieties as a group performed below the site mean yield at all sites under test. These would have to be considered as options based on the premium being offered for production. They are only likely to be grown under a closed loop system in the South East in 2012.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Cereal variety disease guide 2012 By Hugh Wallwork, Principal Cereal Pathologist and PamelaÂ Zwer, OatÂ Breeder

Rain at intervals throughout summer and autumn played a large role in allowing inoculum Hugh Wallwork of powdery mildew and the leaf and stem rusts to build up early in wheat, barley and oat crops leading to widespread occurrences of these pathogens. It was only the timely application of foliar sprays by most growers that prevented serious yield losses. Summer rain also allowed the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella) to survive on self sown cereals and this led to an outbreak of wheat streak mosaic virus on the upper EP in October. The cold winter and dry September conditions greatly reduced the incidence of net and spot forms of net blotch and scald in barley although some early sown crops on the Eyre Peninsula still saw some severe infection with NFNB. Rains from early October onwards are most likely responsible for white grain, caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria, returning as a problem in wheat for the second year running. As in 2010 the most serious damage occurred on the north eastern Eyre Peninsula, but in 2011 the disease was recorded more widely and in most areas of the state other than the western and southern Eyre Peninsula and southern Yorke Peninsula. Many loads were downgraded or rejected at silos while others were not delivered. There seems to have been no clear reason why some paddocks were infected and other similar paddocks alongside were not. Stubble borne inoculum will ensure that the disease remains a threat for 2012 but the severity will likely depend on spring weather conditions. At this stage it appears that all varieties can be affected and there is evidence that some varieties such as Wyalkatchem are worse than others. However the data obtained from two variety trials is not consistent enough to provide reliable ratings at this stage. From a spray trial at Kimba there is evidence that fungicides are not effective in controlling grain infection.

Stripe rust Fortunately, stripe rust did not appear to survive on summer volunteers in SA and was first observed in crops, mostly Mace between Bute and Wandeerah in the Mid North, in the first week of August. Most of the rust has been the strain 134E16A+17+ which is virulent on the Yr17 gene present in Mace, Gladius and Espada. With a much larger area expected to be sown to Mace in 2012, expect stripe rust to develop much faster and spread much farther than in previous years. Use of in-furrow fungicides should be considered in all prone areas and growers should be prepared to spray at short notice in winter and spring.

Stem and leaf rust in wheat A new strain of leaf rust emerged in 2011 rendering Wyalkatchem moderately susceptible to leaf rust rather than resistant as before. At the end of the season a number of other varieties (Correll, Gladius, Kord CL Plus, Justica CL Plus and Yitpi) also appeared to be susceptible to leaf rust rather than moderately susceptible as previously rated. It is not known at this stage whether a new strain is involved or whether particularly conducive environmental conditions are responsible for these more severe observations. With widespread rains in December, volunteer wheat will allow both stem and leaf rusts to survive the early part of the year. If mid-late summer rains occur then a repeat of the threats posed by these diseases in 2011 will recur in 2012. While the area sown to wheat varieties susceptible to stem rust may reduce in 2012, the increased virulence on Wyalkatchem will ensure that a large area will be sown to susceptible wheat and this will increase the risk of this disease in 2012.

Barley leaf rust Leaf rust was by far the most damaging disease of barley in 2011. Summer rains allowed the rust to survive and spread early far and wide and many crops were seriously affected. Most of the common varieties are now all susceptible or very susceptible with virulence on Buloke and Scope now common everywhere in South Australia. Virulence on the gene Rph3 has been detected in SA so Yarra is now also susceptible. Oxford and Henley which carry two leaf rust resistance genes, Rph3 and Rph20, continued on p. 64

CEREAL DISEASE

Summary of 2011 season and implications for 2012

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Rust Stem

Stripe#

Leaf

CCN Resistance

MS/S MR/MS MR MR MS R/MR MR/MS R/MR MR

MR/MS R/MR #MS/S R/MR R/MR MS MS/S MS/S MS

MS MR MR/MS MS R/MR R MR/MS MS MS/S

MS S MS S – R R MR/MS R/MR

MR/MS S MS/S MS/S – MS/S MS/S MR/MS MR/MS

MR/MS MR/MS S – – MS/S – MS/S VS

MR/MS

S/VS

MR/MS

#MS/S^ MR/MS MR/MS #MR/MS MR/MS R/MR

MS/S§ R R MS/S R MR/MS MR

MR R/MR MR/MS R/MR MR R/MR

R S S MS MR S

S S MS MS S MR/MS

MS MR MS/S MS/S MS MS

Gladius

MR^

#MR/MS

R/MR

MS§ S

Impala

MS/S

Justica CL Plus

MR/MS

MS/S§

Kord CL Plus

MR/MS

MS/S

Lincoln Mace Peake Preston Pugsley SQP Revenue Scout Sentinel Wallup Wyalkatchem

MR MR/MS^ MR/MS^ S/VS S R MR/MS R/MR R/MR MR/MS

R #S/VS MR/MS^ R #S^ R MS R/MR MR/MS S

MS§ MR MR R^ R MS R R R MS MS

S MR/MS R S MS S R S MR S

MS MR/MS S MS/S S MS S/VS MR/MS MS MR/MS

– MS/S MS – MS/S R MR/MS R S S/VS

MR/MS

MS§

S/VS

MR/MS

R/MR R R/MR R/MR R/MR MR/MS

MR MR MR MR MR MR

R R R/MR MR/MS R/MR MR

– MS MS MS MS –

MR MS MR MR MR MR

– MR S/VS S/VS MS/S S

R R R/MR R/MR R/MR R/MR R

MS MS/S MR^ MR^ MS MS MS/S

R R R R R R MR

– R R R R R MS

MR MR MR/MS MR MR MR MR

R R R R R R R

Wheat AGT Katana Axe Barham Bolac Brennan Catalina Chara Cobra Corack Correll Derrimut Elmore CL Plus Emu Rock Espada Estoc Forrest

Yitpi

Yellow leaf spot

Powdery mildew

Durum Caparoi Hyperno Kalka Saintly Tamaroi Tjilkuri

Triticale Bogong Chopper Hawkeye Jaywick Rufus Tahara Treat

CEREAL DISEASE

# These ratings are for the WA Yr17 strain. Varieties with a # have the Yr17 resistance and so will be resistant to other strains. The stripe rust ratings for the triticales are for the WA Tobruk strain present in Eastern Australia in 2011. R Resistant MR Moderately Resistant MS Moderately Susceptible S VS Very Susceptible T Tolerant MT Moderately Tolerant MI I Intolerant VI Very Intolerant – Uncertain. † Black point is not a disease but a response to certain humid conditions. Tolerance levels are lower for durum receivals.

Susceptible Moderately Intolerant

Root lesion nematodes

Septoria tritici blotch

Crown rot

Common root rot

P. neglectus

P. thornei

Flag smut

Black point †

Quality in SA

MS S/VS MS/S MS – MS MS MS MS/S

S MS MR S – S S S MR/MS

S MS/S MS/S MS – MR/MS MR/MS MR/MS MR/MS

MS S S S S S S S S

MS MS/S MS/S – – MR/MS S MS/S MS

S S MR/MS R/MR – R/MR MR S/VS S

S S MR/MS MS/S MR/MS S MS/S MS/S MS/S

AH AH Soft AH Feed AH AH APWα ASWβ

MR/MS MS/S MR/MS S S S MR/MS

S MR/MS MS S/VS S

S – MR/MS MS/S MS S

S S MS/S S S S/VS

S MS S MS/S MR/MS MS

R S/VS MS MR/MS MR/MS R/MR

MS/S MS MS S MS MR

AH APWα AH APW APW APW

MS/S

R/MR

–

MS/S

S/VS

MR/MS

Soft

–

APW

MS/S

–

APW

S MR/MS S MR MS MR MS MS/S MS/S MR

S MR/MS S S S MS S S MR/MS MR/MS

S MS MR/MS – MS MS/S MS MR/MS S

S S S S S S S MS/S S S

MS MS/S S MS MS S/VS S S MS/S S

R/MR S MR/MS S/VS MR S R/MR MS/S S/VS S/VS

MR MS MS/S MR/MS MS MS/S S MS/S MR/MS MS

AH AH AH Feed APW Feed APW ASW AH APW

MR/MS

MS/S

R/MR R/MR MR/MS MR/MS S MR/MS

– MR MR MR MR –

MR MR/MS MR – MR –

VS VS VS VS VS VS

MS MS MS MS MS MS

R R R/MR R R R

MS/S MS S MS MS MS/S

Durum Durum Durum Durum Durum Durum

R R R R R R R

– – – – R/MR R/MR MR/MS

– – – – R/MR R –

MS/S MS/S MS MS MS MS –

MS/S S MS/S MS MS MS MS

– – – – – R R

– – – – – – –

Triticale Triticale Triticale Triticale Triticale Triticale Triticale

Some susceptible plants in mix.

These varieties showed increased susceptibility to leaf rust at the end of 2011.

Quality grade under review and may change to AH.

Quality grade under review and may change to APW.

CEREAL DISEASE

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Barley

Leaf rust*

Net form net blotch

Spot form net blotch

Scald*

CCN Resistance

Powdery mildew

Barley grass stripe rust

Covered smut

Common root rot

Barque Bass Buloke Commander Fathom Flagship Fleet Gairdner Grange Henley Hindmarsh Keel Maritime Navigator Oxford Schooner Skipper Scope Sloop SA Westminster Wimmera

MR/MS-S R-MS MS-S/VS MS-S MR-S/VS MR/MS-S MR/MS-S MS-S MR MR-MR/MS MR/MS-S VS MS-S VS R-MR/MS S/VS MS/S-S/VS MS-S/VS S/VS R/MR R-MR/MS

MS/S MS/S MR MS MS/S MR MR MR/MS MR MR MR MS VS MR MR MR MR MR MR MR MR

R/MR MS/S MS MS MR MR/MS R/MR S MS/S MS/S S R/MR MR/MS MR MS/S MS MR MS S/VS S MS

S/VS MR-S MS S MR MS MR/MS R-S MS/S R-S/VS R-S MS MS/S R MS-S MS/S S MS/S S MR MS/S

R S S R R R R S – – R R R R S VS R S R – S

MR MS MR MR MR MR/MS MR/MS MR – – MS MR/MS S R R S MR MR S MR MR

MR – R R – MR MR R – – R MS S MR – R – R R – –

MS/S VS MS R R/MR MR/MS MR MS/S – MR MS R MS MS/S MR/MS MR S MR/MS R R MR/MS

S MS MS MS/S S S MS/S MS/S S MS S S S MS MS/S S MS/S MS S MR/MS MS

have lost some of their resistance and are now rated MR/MS where this strain occurs. Any further summer rains will again create the potential for significant problems with this disease in 2012.

Powdery mildew The area on the lower Eyre Peninsula that saw severe powdery mildew in wheat in 2010 was mostly treated with in-furrow fungicides in 2011. This proved very effective in controlling the disease until the effect wore off after about 12 weeks. Much of the wheat area surrounding the badly affected southern Eyre Peninsula was infected early in 2011 due to large inoculum loads surviving through summer. Extensive spraying against powdery mildew took place across the Peninsula. With the area sown to Wyalkatchem being reduced the threat of this disease should recede in coming years although a significant threat will be present in 2012 and infurrow fungicides should be considered for all susceptible wheat crops in the affected areas. Serious powdery mildew was also observed in some crops in the Mid North particularly in Gladius, and so this variety should also be considered for infurrow fungicide treatments in 2012, especially if summer rains allow mildew to survive on volunteers.

CEREAL DISEASE

Net blotch Both net blotches in barley were at relatively low levels in 2011. This can be explained partly by the cold winter and dry spring conditions reducing infection efficiency but also by growers monitoring

Oats Brusher Echidna Euro Glider Kangaroo Marloo Mitika Mulgara Numbat Potoroo Possum Quoll Swan Tammar Tungoo Wallaroo Wombat Wintaroo Yallara

Rust

CCN

stem

leaf φ

Resistance

Tolerance

MS/S S VS MR/MS MS S MS/S MS MS S MS/S MS/S VS MR MS S MS/S S S

MS/S S S MS/S S S MS/S MS/S S S S MR/MS S MR/MS MS/S S MS/S S MS/S

R S R MS R R VS R S R VS S MR MR R R R R R

MI I I I MI MT I MT I T I I I MT MT MT T MT I

early sown susceptible crops and spraying early to suppress infection where required.

Oats Stem and leaf rust were the most prevalent oat diseases in 2011. Summer rainfall provided good conditions for both pathogens to survive

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Key to symbols used:

P.negectus

P. thornei

MR – MS/S MS – MS MS MS – – MS MR MR – – S – – S – –

MR – – – – MR/MS – MR/MS – – – MR – – – R – – R – –

Stem nematode

Black point S – MS S S MS/S MS MR MS MS MS/S S/VS MS/S MS/S MR MS MS MS/S S MR/MS MR

Resistance

Tolerance

Bacterial blight

MS MS S R S MS S R S S S R S R R MS

I MT I T MI MI I MT I MI I MT I T T MI MT MT I

MR/MS S MS R MR/MS S MR MR S S S MS S MR MR S MR/MS MR/MS MR/MS

R S

Explanation for resistance classification

* Due to multiple strains of leaf rust and scald, the table provides a range of reactions that may be observed.

R The disease will not multiply or cause any damage on this variety. This rating is only used where the variety also has seedling resistance.

φ - Depending on which strains are present all current oat varieties can be susceptible to leaf rust Different ratings are explained on the previous page.

MR The disease may be visible and multiply but no significant economic losses will occur. This rating signifies strong adult plant resistance. MS The disease may cause damage but this is unlikely to be more than around 15% except in very severe situations. S The disease can be severe on this variety and losses of up to 50% can occur. VS Where a disease is a problem this variety should not be grown. Losses greater than 50% are possible and the variety may create significant problems to other growers. This classification based on yield loss is only a general guide and is less applicable for the minor diseases such as common root rot, or for the leaf diseases in lower rainfall areas, where losses are rarely severe.

Other information

Red leather leaf

BYDV

MS MS MS R MR/MS VS S MS MS VS S MS S R R MS MS MR/MS MS

MS MS S S/MR* S/MR* MR/MS MS/S MS S MS S MS MS MS MR/MS MS MR MR/MS MS

and increase early on wild oats and volunteer oat crops. Oat crops were infected early in the growing season and by October very susceptible varieties were severely infected with leaf rust and later by stem rust. Monitoring oat crops for leaf and stem rust is essential for effective control by fungicides in years such as 2011.

This supplements other information available including the SARDI Sowing Guide 2012 P. neglectus Septoria and Crop Watch email nematodes avenae newsletters. Cereal Leaf and Stem Diseases and MS MR/MS Cereal Root and Crown S MR Diseases books (2000 MS MR editions) are also available MR – from Ground Cover MR/MS – Direct or from Hugh S – Wallwork in SARDI. S MS MR S MS MR MS MR MR S MS MR/MS MS

– – MR MR MR MR/MS MR/MS – – MR

Disease identification A diagnostic service is available to farmers and industry for diseased plant specimens.

Samples of all leaf and aerial plant parts should be kept free of moisture and wrapped in paper MR/MS not a plastic bag. Roots – should be dug up carefully, preserving as much of the root system as possible and preferably kept damp. Samples should be sent to the following address:

SARDI Diagnostic Centre Plant Research Centre Hartley Grove Urrbrae SA 5064

Further information contact: hugh.wallwork@sa.gov.au

CEREAL DISEASE

Root lesion nematodes

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Kalkee - the largest chickpea By Larn McMurray, Research Scientist, SARDI, Clare & Kristy Hobson, Pulse Breeding Australia, Chickpeas

Grain yields of the newly released large seeded kabuli type chickpea Kalkee were similar to those of the medium to large seeded variety, Genesis™ 114, in South Australian NVT and Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) trials in 2011. Larn McMurray Across all five trials Variety last year Kalkee and Desi trials Genesis 114 were Genesis 509 12% lower yielding than the small kabuli types and 7% lower yielding than the Genesis 079# other medium to large seeded variety, Genesis 090# Almaz . Kalkee has the largest seed Howzat size of all commercial kabuli varieties, PBA Boundary hence is more able to meet the size PBA HatTrick requirements of premium high valued PBA Slasher markets, however yield and disease Sonali resistance are inferior to the small Site mean yield (t/ha) kabuli types and generally equivalent to % LSD (0.05) Almaz and Genesis 114. In the desi trials Kabuli trials the small seeded kabuli line Genesis™ Almaz 079 was 4% higher yielding than the Genesis 079# desi type PBA Slasher and 6% higher Genesis 090# yielding than the other small kabuli Genesis 114 type Genesis™ 090 across all six sites.

Mid North 2011 Balaklava

97 118 102 96 101 76 112 92 2.39 22

Riverton

106 2.96 7

No significant variety effect

ChickPeas

10 June SL/ LiMC 123/187 7.4 Oats ct,dl, bo,ht

Salters Springs

99 105

Kalkee (Genesis 115)

Seasonal conditions were favourable Site mean yield (t/ha) for chickpea production in most areas % LSD (0.05) in 2011 with average to high yields Date sown achieved. Rainfall was generally only Soil type average but fell at the right time and this, combined with higher than usual Rainfall (mm) J-M/A-O summer rainfall, totals, meant that pH (H2O) there was some stored water for crops Previous crop to draw on during the drier periods. Site stress factors An extended cool spell in spring also favoured chickpea production in many areas. However the occurrence of cold temperature events during the reproductive stage of growth, particularly in the lower Mid North, led to some level of flower and pod abortion in a number of crops. The Balaklava site was in this region and had significant levels of ‘balloons’ (pods with no viable seed formed) in most varieties. Grain yields in the six harvested desi trials averaged 2.7 t/ha in 2011 and were surprisingly similar (2.4 t/ha at Balaklava through to 3 t/ha at

2005-2011

2.54 NS 9 June CLS/ LiMC 152/349 7.7 Wheat wl

105 104 106 93 94 3.67 6.0 27 June MC/ MHC 149/302 7.5 Barley

% Site mean

Trial #

99 105 96 95 97 94 107 96 2

18 13 17 17 12 17 19 16

91 114 108 93 91 1.7

17 17 17 17 8

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

SA desi and kabuli chickpea variety trial yield performance: 2011 (as a % of site mean) and long term (2005-2011) average across sites (as a % of site mean). Yorke Peninsula 2011

2005-2011

Minlaton

97 113 104 110 95 87 102 95 2.74 13

2.83 6

104 115 104 98 96 2.51 10.0 27 June SCL/L

94 110 101 91 92 2.78 6.0 24 May SCL

142/251 7.9 Wheat de,dl

148/236 7.4 Barley dl

108 96

% Site mean

Trial #

96 105 96 97 96 93 105 97 1.98

13 10 14 12 7 12 14 11

92 114 106 96 92 1.80

12 12 12 12 6

2011

Lower Eyre Peninsula

2005-2011

2011

Mundulla

% Site mean

Trial #

98 106

96 101 96 96

13 5 13 13

95 102 98 2.04

7 7 11

104 119 119 105 103 2

9 9 9 9 4

99 2.53 8 99 93 113 94 91 2.30 11.0 23 June CL 199/228 7.1 Wheat wl.dl

Lock

2005-2011

Yeelanna

% Site mean

Trial #

101 90

93 102 94 98

5 4 6 5

93 103 97 1.88

4 6 4

92 118 109 89 89 1.35

6 6 6 6 2*

No Valid Result Trial Frosted

98 2.69 7

No Valid Result Water logging

14 May S

2 June LSCL

93/237 7.4 Wheat fr,pe

102/297 7.7 Wheat wl

Abbreviations Soil type:

S - sand C - clay L - loam H - heavy M - medium Li - light / - over

Site stress factors: dl - post flowering moisture stress abm - ascochyta blight (moderate) ht - high temperature during flowering/pod fill w - weed competition bo - boron toxicity de - pre flowering moisture stress bgm - botrytis grey mould vi - virus ct - low temperatures during flowering/podding pe - poor establishment wl - waterlogging Data source: SARDI, GRDC, PBA & NVT (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites and courtesy National Statistics Program) * Varieties have only had limited evaluation at these sites, treat results with caution # small kabuli type

ChickPeas

Melton

South East

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Riverton). The trial at Lock on the Eyre Peninsula established poorly and then was severely affected by a frost during the flowering and podding period and was abandoned. For the first time in a number of years ascochyta blight (AB) was not observed at any significant level in the SA trial sites last year. Apart from the cold temperatures at Balaklava the only other yield limiting factors in 2011 were low levels of early season waterlogging at Riverton, Yeelanna and Mundulla and periods of low to moderate post flowering moisture stress at most sites. Of the kabuli trials, the site at Yeelanna was adversely affected by waterlogging during winter and abandoned due to a high level of variability in the results. All other trials were harvested successfully with yields ranging from 2.3 t/ha at Mundulla through to a very high 3.67 t/ha at Salters Springs. There were no kabuli sites at Balaklava or Lock due to the poor adaptation of the medium and large seeded types to these environments. PBA Slasher is currently the only desi variety being evaluated in the SA NVT trials due to its vastly superior combination of seed quality, AB resistance and higher yields than alternatives. Last year it was similar yielding to the small kabuli type Genesis 090 at all sites except for Yeelanna where it was 8% higher yielding than this variety. It has long term yields in this State similar to the small seeded kabuli variety Genesis 079 but 5-10% higher yielding than Genesis 090 in all regions. It provides a high yielding desi alternative marketing option to the small seeded kabuli types. Two new desi chickpea varieties licensed to Seed Net were released in 2011 for northern Australian growers. Both are poorly suited to SA. PBA Pistol is a high yielding early maturing desi variety with high susceptibility to AB, released for central Queensland where this disease is not considered a major constraint to production unlike in southern Australia. PBA Boundary is a high yielding option for northern NSW and southern Queensland growers but is late maturing and low yielding in SA.

ChickPeas

In the kabuli chickpea trials (where all varieties are sown at 35 plants per square metre unlike 50 in the desi trials) Genesis 079 was higher yielding than Genesis 090 on the Yorke Peninsula but equivalent

in yields in the Mid North and lower yielding at the longer season Mundulla site in the South East. Both varieties as expected were higher yielding than the medium and large seeded kabuli types, although the yield gap was lower than in previous years (5-12% last year compared with 15-25% long term). The above average performance of the large kabuli types last year again highlights their need for favourable spring growing conditions to obtain good yields and seed size. In last year's trials, Almaz was higher yielding than Kalkee and Genesis 114 at Salter Springs, where the latter two yielded the same, and all three varieties had equivalent yields at the other four sites. Long-term yields suggest the three varieties yield similarly in all regions of SA, although Genesis 114 has been marginally higher yielding in the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North districts. Kalkee is similar to Genesis 114 in most attributes but is later flowering and has a larger seed size. It is commercialised by Australian Agricultural Crop Technologies and limited seed is available for 2012. The lower relative yields of the larger seeded kabuli types compared with the desi and small seeded kabuli types needs to be considered along with the chances of obtaining large seed size before deciding to grow these high valued types in SA.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

The Fiesta VF festival continues By Andrew Ware, SARDI NVA Pt Lincoln

For the second year running Fiesta VF was the top yielding faba bean variety across SA in NVT and Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) trials, outyielding Farah and Nura by 3% and 2% respectively, averaged across all South Australian sites. Andrew Ware

Eight NVT faba bean trials and six PBA breeding trials were conducted across South Australia

in 2011. In addition a specialty broad bean breeding trial was conducted at Millicent in the South East. Trials were sown throughout May and into June, as local conditions dictated. Average site yields ranged from 1.52 t/ha at Pinery on the Adelaide Plains to an outstanding 5.63 t/ha at Maitland on Yorke Peninsula. Rainfall and sub-soil moisture was generally good for faba bean growth across South Australia in 2011, however sites at Pinery and Keith experienced dry conditions in spring that did affect yield.

SA Faba Bean Variety Trial Yield Performance (2011 and predicted regional performance, expressed as % of site average yield)

Variety

Cockaleechie

Upper EP

Long term average across sites

2011

Long term average across sites

t/ha

% of Site Mean

Lock

No. Trials

Doza

2.23

Farah

2.34

Fiesta

2.36

101

Fiord

2.32

Nura

2.34

100

PBA Rana

2.19

3.45

2.35

Site av yield (t/ha) LSD (%) Date sown

12 6 May

Trial Not Released - Frost

2011

Lower EP

Yorke Peninsula Long term average across sites

2011

t/ha

% of Site Mean

No. Trials

Maitland

Minlaton

t/ha 3.16

1.64

100

3.35

100

1.65

100

102

1.63

108

3.35

100

3.14

5.63

3.30

3.35

14 May

30 May

13 May SCL

Soil type

CLS

pH (water)

8.5

7.4

7.8

7.4

Rainfall J-M/A-O

102/ 297

93/ 212

120/ 303

148/ 236

Barley

Wheat

Durum

Barley

Site stress factors

3.33 3.22

CL/ ZCL

Previous Crop

No. Trials

103

1.65

% of Site Mean

Abbreviations Soil type: S - sand C - clay L - loam P - peat F - fine K - coarse H - heavy M - medium Li - light Z - silt / - divides topsoil subsoil

Data source: SARDI/GRDC, NVT and PBA - Australian Faba Bean Breeding Program. 2005-2011 MET data analysis by National Statistics Program.

Faba Beans

Site stress factors: cs - chocolate spot wa - waterlogging as - ascochyta f - frost r - rust dl - dry post flowering stress

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

A frost during the flowering period affected the Lock site and resulted in yields being too variable to be meaningful. The broad bean breeding site at Millicent also produced variable yields, with results from that site not being released. Yields from lower Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Murray Mallee show Nura holding an advantage over Fiesta and Farah in 2011. The Mid North, Central and South East regions however had Fiesta consistently being the highest yielding variety. Fiestaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slightly higher yields may be negated by its susceptibity to seed staining by ascochyta blight. Without management, this can result in grain that is un-marketable or has to be sold at a discounted price. Rust proved to be a significant disease at several sites in 2011, including Saddleworth, Strathalbyn and Minlaton. Favourable conditions led to early infections in some crops during August, which resulted in severe outbreaks in spring causing reduced yield and seed quality.

Mid North / Central 2011

Variety

Laura

Doza

Saddleworth

Tarlee

Turretfield

Strathalbyn

t/ha

% of Site Mean

No. Trials

105

134

109

107

2.35

Farah

101

2.51

100

Fiesta

104

105

2.52

101

2.33

Fiord Nura

100

2.46

PBA Rana

102

2.37

Site av yield (t/ha)

3.71

1.52

2.83

4.02

3.22

3.68

2.50

20 May

26 May

10 May

26 May

17 May

1 June

L/CL

LMC/MC

LiMC

142/ 326

114/ 253

LSD (%) Date sown Soil type pH (water) Rainfall J-M/A-O Previous Crop

Faba Beans

Pinery

Long term average across sites

Site stress factors

6.4

8.4

199/ 288

120/ 225

131/ 306

121 /303

6.4

Oats

Barley

Wheat

r, cs

Wheat r

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

North where long term yields are equal to or greater than Fiesta VF and Farah. PBA Rana has good resistance to ascochyta blight and comparable resistance to chocolate spot to Nura (MS). In 2011 PBA Rana was observed to have developed much fewer rust symptoms than other major varieties.

Doza was planted at five PBA breeding sites and yielded very well at sites where high levels of rust were present. Doza is a variety bred for the Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland regions where rust is frequently an issue. Long term yields in south Australia show Doza as yielding 94% of Farah. Rather than looking at Doza as an alternative to grow in South Australia, growers are encouraged to choose varieties more adapted to local conditions and employ a suitable fungicide strategy.

PBA Rana produces large, plump and light brown seed suited to Egyptian market requirements for that grade. It represents a unique and different category for faba bean marketing. PBA Rana is three quarters Manafest in its breeding, and should establish itself into areas where Manafest was grown before ascochyta blight became its demise. PBA Rana is licensed to Viterra.

Newly released PBA Rana (tested as 974*(611*974)/15-1) yielded 5% lower than Fiesta VF and 2% lower than Farah across SA sites in 2011, performing well at Saddleworth and Tarlee. PBA Rana is a vigorous plant with good stem strength, mid to late flowering (similar to Nura) and mid maturity (late than Farah and Nura). It is well adapted to high rainfall, long growing seasons. Highest long term yields have been achieved in the lower South East, central Hills/Fleurieu Peninsula and the high rainfall sites in the lower and mid-

The contribution of data and information for this report from the Pulse Breeding Australia Faba Bean Breeding Program by Dr Jeff Paull, University of Adelaide, and Dr Rohan Kimber, SARDI, is gratefully acknowledged.

Mallee

97 98

t/ha

% of Site Mean

No. Trials

2011

Long term average across sites

Keith

Bordertown

Bool Lagoon

1.50

1.66

100

111

101

107

108

1.67

100

1.54

101

1.64

101

1.54

2.62

1.66

Millicent

2.59

3.44

3.62

16 May

3 June

12 May

28 May

6 June

SL/LC

% of Site Mean

No. Trials

2.69

2.79

100

2.82

101

2.61

2.72

2.68

2.80

7.9

8.1

7.9

6.8

7.7

105/ 223

205/ 289

192/ 269

254/ 374

181/ 484

Wheat

Canola

t/ha

Faba Beans

Lameroo

South East

Long term average across sites

Not released - variable results

2011

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Bacterial blight resistant field peas available for 2012 By Mick Lines, Research Officer, SARDI, Larn McMurray, Research Scientist, SARDI & Tony Leonforte PBA Field Pea Breeder, DPI Victoria

Mick Lines

Grain yields were generally above average, buoyed by high 2010/2011 summer rainfall events on top of average growing season rainfall, however they were not as high as 2009 or 2010. Grain yield averaged 2.6t/ha across all NVT and Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) sites last year, compared to 3.0t/ ha and 2.7t/ha in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Site yields ranged from 0.9t/ha at the frost affected Lock site to 3.5t/ha at Turretfield.

Recently released early maturing varieties PBA Gunyah, PBA Twilight and the bacterial blight resistant PBA Oura and PBA Percy performed similarly to Kaspa but better than Parafield in a season which favoured later maturing varieties. The powdery mildew resistant late flowering dun type Yarrum was the highest yielding commercial variety across all sites in 2011.

Periods of pre or post flowering moisture stress occurred to some extent at most sites and their effect on variety performance was very much dependent

SA field pea variety trial yield performance: 2011 (as % of site mean) and long term (2005-2011) average across sites (as % of site mean). Mid North

Yorke Peninsula

2011 Balaklava

Kaspa

2005-2011

Laura

Riverton

Snowtown

Turretfield

% Site mean

107

Parafield

102

PBA Gunyah

103

PBA Twilight

105

PBA Oura

109

101

PBA Percy

102

126

100

Sturt

Yarrum

103

115

105

119

Site mean yield (t/ha)

2.30

2.37

3.42

1.81

Variety/line

% LSD (0.05)

2011

Trial #

Minlaton

100

100 104 103

101

103

3.51

2.22

2005-2011

Kadina

Willamulka

% Site mean

Trial #

Bool Lagoon

103

101

100

101

102

134

2.91

2.88

2.90

2.33

2.97

2 June

9 June

25 May

16 June

24 May

18 May

14 June

SL / LiMC

L / CL

CL / LiMC

SCL / CL

SCL / LiC

SCL

SCL / CL

C / LST

Previous crop

Oat

Wheat

Barley

Pasture

Barley

Wheat

Hay

Rainfall (mm) J-M/A-O

123/187

199/288

152/349

138/168

142/320

148/236

127/244

104/217

254/374

7.4

6.4

6.5

8.2

7.4

8.4

8.3

7.6

dl, ht, pm

fr, ht

dl, ht, bs

wl, pm

Date sown Soil type

pH (H2O) Site stress factors Abbreviations

Soil type: S - sand C - clay L - loam H - heavy M - medium Li - light F - fine LST - limestone / - over

Field Peas

** = Variable and low yield dual to severe reproductive frost, use caution. Data source: SARDI/GRDC, NVT and PBA (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites courtesy of the National Statistics Program)

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

during spring, which may have led to flower and pod abortion in some varieties, reducing yield potential.

upon the timing and extent of these events. However late spring rainfall combined with cool conditions generally meant that finishing conditions were favourable at most sites. Frost during the late flowering and early podding period was a significant yield limiting factor at Lock and to some extent at Laura and Snowtown. Crops can be sensitive to frost at grain filling, and for field pea it may increase the risk of bacterial blight in wet regions. Results from sites affected by frost should be treated with care as severity of damage often relates to maturity time rather than yield potential. Conversely, the Kadina and Minnipa sites suffered from high temperatures

South East 2011

Murray Mallee 2005-2011

Keith

Mundulla

% Site mean

2011

2005-2011

Trial #

Lameroo

% Site mean

Trial #

Disease incidence was again low in 2011. High summer rainfall meant blackspot spore loads were minimised prior to sowing. Spring conditions were conducive to powdery mildew at some sites, including Turretfield, Balaklava and Minnipa, however onset was generally too late to cause significant yield loss, as evidenced by the high relative yields of susceptible varieties at these sites. However significant yield loss from powdery mildew occurred at Bool Lagoon where Yarrum was by far the highest yielding variety. Some

Lower Eyre Pen.

Upper Eyre Pen.

2011

2005-2011

Lock**

Yeelanna

% Site mean

Trial #

2005-2011

Minnipa

% Site mean

Trial #

107

103

100

103

101

100

101

102

130

102

103

104

112

105

100

111

105

101

104

100

104

101

103

102

103

107

104

107

101

110

104

3.16

3.38

2.42

2.06

1.58

0.93

2.59

1.81

1.88

1.74

3 June

23 June

31 May

14 May

2 June

18 May

SL / LC

LSCL

Wheat

Barley

205/289

199/228

185/223

93/212

102/297

129/252

8.1

7.1

7.9

7.4

7.7

8.2

wl, dl

fr, dl

ht, pm

Field Peas

Site stress factors: de - pre flowering moisture stress dl - post flowering moisture stress fr - reproductive frost damage hd - herbicide damage w - weeds pe - poor establishment wl - waterlogging ht - high temperatures during flowering/pod fill pm - powdery mildew bs - black spot hd - hail damage during early pod fill

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

transient waterlogging was observed at Yeelanna, Bool Lagoon and Mundulla, however yields were generally still above average at these sites. A GRDC funded Southern Region Pulse Agronomy trial at Hart (Mid North) showed that two foliar sprays of mancozeb (9 node and early flower) reduced blackspot severity and resulted in a 4% yield increase, which was not economic as found in previous years with higher disease levels. A similar trial looking at sowing date and stubble management at Minnipa (upper Eyre Peninsula) resulted in a 32% yield loss from a four week delay in sowing (early May to lateÂ May). Potential harvestability improvements were also observed from sowing inter-row into standing compared to slashed stubble (wheat, 3t/ha). Standing plant height was increased and lodging reduced in all varieties by sowing into standing stubble, although there was no difference in grain yields. Yarrum was the highest yielding commercial variety across all sites for the fifth year in a row, buoyed by high relative yields at Bool Lagoon and Snowtown. Yarrum is a late flowering, powdery mildew resistant dun type pea with improved resistance to virus. Long term grain yields show that Yarrum has its highest relative yield advantage over Kaspa in the South East and Murray Mallee districts (up to 11%). Elsewhere in SA Yarrum has performed similarly to Kaspa, however its late flowering nature could be of concern for growers in lower rainfall areas. Kaspa performed well at most sites in 2011, performing similarly to the site mean at all but three sites (Laura, Lock and Mundulla) where it yielded lower. It outyielded Parafield at nine of the 15 NVT and PBA sites in 2011.

Field Peas

The recently released PBA varieties Gunyah and Twilight (2010), and Oura and Percy (2011) performed similarly to Kaspa in 2011. The potential yield benefits of these varieties compared to Kaspa have not been obvious over the last few seasons where yields have generally been above average. Due to their earlier and longer flowering pattern than Kaspa, these varieties will provide improved yield reliability across variable seasons and in situations where sowing must be delayed for disease control or due to a late season break. Long term grain yields show regional yield advantages of these varieties over Kaspa in the South East, Murray Mallee and the lower Eyre Peninsula regions, while yield

advantages over Kaspa have also been seen in drier seasons in all regions. These varieties also offer a yield advantage over Parafield across all regions of the State, with further improvements in plant type and disease resistance compared to this variety. PBA Gunyah and PBA Twilight have generally performed similarly, however long term analysis shows PBA Gunyah may provide a yield advantage over the latter in the Murray Mallee and lower Eyre Peninsula regions. PBA Oura and PBA Percy provide growers the option of selecting bacterial blight resistant varieties based on plant type. PBA Oura has an erect, semi-leafless plant type similar to Kaspa, while PBA Percy has a conventional plant type and is susceptible to lodging like Parafield. PBA Oura is the highest yielding variety (2011 and also long term) with improved tolerance to this disease in all districts of SA, and offers long term yield advantages over Kaspa in all regions of the State except the Yorke Peninsula. In disease management trials the average yield loss from bacterial blight in PBA Oura (12%) is similar to Parafield (15%), but greater than PBA Percy (7%), the latter has the best level of tolerance available.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Herald-ing new opportunities in lentils By Larn McMurray Research Scientist SARDI, & Michael Materne, Pulse Breeding Australia Lentils.

As in 2010, higher than average yields were achieved at the majority of sites in 2011. Grain yields averaged 2.97 t/ha across all sites harvested, ranging from 2.2 t/ha at Lameroo in the Mallee to more than 4.5 t/ha at Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula. Growing season rainfall was generally close to average in most areas, but fell at the right time and combined with an extended cool spell in spring allowed for excellent grain yields. The higher than usual summer rainfall also meant that there was significant levels of stored water for many crops. Only a limited number of negative factors affected variety performance in 2011. Many sites experienced periods of low to moderate pre or post flowering moisture stress which had some effect on relative variety rankings depending upon the timing of these events. Other factors influencing variety performance included an early flowering frost event at Laura and Snowtown, varying levels of early season waterlogging at Riverton, Mundulla and Yeelanna, which was severe enough at the latter site to abandon the trial, low levels of ascochyta blight (AB) at Maitland and moderate levels of botrytis grey mould (BGM) at Mallala. As seen in 2010 the highest yielding variety across all sites was the large seeded red lentil PBA Jumbo , however its yield advantage over the other varieties was lower than in previous years. The across sites average of PBA Jumbo was only 1% higher than PBA Flash in 2011 and its highest relative yields were on the Yorke Peninsula and its lowest relative yields at Laura and Mundulla where plant biomass levels were lowest. PBA Jumbo has large seed that

will be sought after by some markets and it will also be favoured by growers where small broad leaf weed seeds may need cleaning from the harvested sample. However it has a short plant type that is prone to lodging, and it is later maturing than PBA Blitz and PBA Flash making it better suited to the more favourable growing districts of SA. The other variety widely grown for the first time last year was PBA Blitz. This early flowering and maturing variety was not favoured by the favourable late spring conditions and subsequently yields were only slightly higher than those of Nugget and generally lower than those of PBA Flash. PBA Blitz is an early maturing, disease resistant lentil with a medium to large seed that has a key role in maximising yields in short season areas and in dry years, reducing disease and its effect on seed quality (AB blemishes and shrivelled seed from BGM) and yield and quality issues related to crop topping to control weeds. PBA Blitz has a low level “pale coat Blitz” seeds typically at frequencies of 0.1 to 0.8%. The “pale coat Blitz” seeds have red cotyledons and are a natural part of the genetic make-up of the variety and do not affect the splitting or cooking characteristics. Under current receival standards an increase in “pale coat Blitz” seeds above 1% would exceed accepted levels of "contamination" by other varieties even though these seeds are genetically equivalent to PBA Blitz. The pulse industry in SA and Victoria is meeting in the near future to discuss receival and segregation options for PBA Blitz in the coming season as it will be an important variety for supplying markets that prefer larger seed. A low level of shattering was observed in some crops of PBA Blitz last year. Generally this occurred in plants which had started to mature prior to the late spring rainfall events but then developed new branches and re-flowered. PBA Blitz is the earliest flowering variety and therefore had the oldest pods at maturity. In most cases yield loss was low and less than that which occurs commonly in the variety Boomer . Like PBA Blitz, the early maturing lentil variety PBA Flash was also not favoured by the favourable finish in 2011. However yields were still equal or greater than those of Nuggets (averaging 7% higher). Its poorest relative performances were at the frost affected Snowtown site and the BGM affected

Lentils

The first lentil variety with improved herbicide tolerance, PBA Herald XT , was released in 2011 through PB Seeds. PBA Herald XT (tested as CIPAL0702) has improved tolerance to the herbicide flumetsulam (e.g. Broadstrike®, Multitude®), plus reduced sensitivity to some Larn McMurray sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicide residues. PBA Herald XT has good resistance to ascochyta blight and botrytis grey mould. Grain yield was slightly lower than Nipper across 11 Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) and NVT evaluation sites in 2011.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Mallala site. PBA Flash is moderately susceptible to AB and is likely to require foliar fungicide sprays prior to flowering and at podding to control this disease and achieve good seed quality in disease prone environments. Widening rotations to more than three years, the use of seed treatments and the application of preventative foliar fungicide sprays will increase the chance of managing AB on both the plants and seed in this variety. PBA Flash is well suited to shorter season and lower yielding lentil growing environments where its higher yield and

earlier maturity improves reliability of yield. Earlier maturity also makes PBA Flash better suited to crop topping than Nugget. Seed of PBA Flash produced in 2011 was more typical of the variety and smaller than in 2010, potentially reducing opportunities to sell the product into Aldinga type markets. PBA Herald XT has the best combination of AB and BGM resistance of all lentil varieties and is a direct replacement for Nipper in medium to higher rainfall areas and early sowing situations where

SA lentil variety trial yield performance: 2011 (as a % of site mean) and long term (2005-2011) average across sites (as a % of site mean). Mid North 2011

Variety

Laura

Aldinga

Mallala

Yorke 2005-2011

Riverton

Snowtown

Trial #

Kadina

Maitland

Melton

Minlaton

Boomer

108

106

104

Nipper

103

101

100

Northfield

Nugget

PBA Blitz

102

100

104

PBA Bounty

104

100

107

103

102

PBA Flash

100

111

104

102

101

105

PBA Herald XT

PBA Jumbo Site mean yield (t/ha) % LSD (0.05)

103

106

102

2.41

3.09

3.84

2.3

2.27

102

106

105

2.52

4.56

3.38

7.5

9.7

11.5

13.0

11.1

6.1

8.6

8.0

Date sown

9 June

1 June

9 June

25 May

19 May

30 May

9 June

24 May

Soil type

L / CL

SCL/L

CLS / LiMC

CL/ZCL

SCL / L

SCL

199/288

142/251

152/349

138/168

127/244

120/303

142/251

148/236

6.4

7.5

6.5

8.2

8.4

7.8

7.9

7.4

Oats

Wheat

Barley

Wheat

Durum

bgmM,de

fr, de

dl, ht

Rainfall (mm) J-M/A-O pH (H2O) Previous crop Site stress factors Abbreviations

Soil type: S - sand C - clay L - loam H - heavy M - medium Li - light F - fine Z - silt / - over

* Varieties have only had limited evaluation at these sites, treat results with caution. Data source: SARDI/GRDC, NVT and PBA (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites and courtesy National Statistics Program)

Lentils

2011

% Site mean

Barley de

dl,w

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

of up to 20% in current varieties. The availability of PBA Herald XT will provide growers with a variety that is less prone to yield loss when application of flumetsulam is required to control certain broadleaf weeds and reduce the potential for damage from SU and Imidazolinone residues. Further work targeting tolerance to alternative herbicides is ongoing.

South East

2005-2011 % Site mean

Trial #

2011 Mundulla

2005-2011 % Site mean

Trial #

107

100

101

102

103

106

104

2.56

100

109

107

101

2.35

1.54

2011 Lameroo

2.22

2005-2011 % Site mean

Trial #

102

105

102

Lower Eyre Pen. 2011 Yeelanna

1.70

2005-2011 % Site mean

Trial #

100

104

100

105

103

1.48

3.7

18 May

23 June

31 May

2 June

SCL/ CL

SL / LiC

LSCL

104/217

199/228

185/223

102/297

8.3

7.1

7.9

7.7

Wheat

wl,dl

Site stress factors: de - pre flowering moisture stress fr - reproductive frost damage dl - post flowering moisture stress ht - high temperatures during flowering/pod fill bgmL - botrytis grey mould (low) bgmM - botrytis grey mould (moderate) bgmS - botrytis grey mould (severe) ab - ascochyta blight (low) w - weed competition low wl - temporary waterlogging phwd - preharvest weather damage pe - poor establishment

Lentils

Willamulka

Murray Mallee

NO SIGNIFICANT VARIETY EFFECT

Peninsula

NO VALID RESULT TRIAL WATER LOGGED

improved herbicide tolerance is beneficial. In 2011 PBA Herald XT was 5% lower yielding than Nipper across all 11 PBA and NVT evaluation sites with lower yields (5-13%) at six sites, most of which were characterised by having periods of post-flowering moisture stress. The development of PBA Herald XT has been part of a concerted effort by the PBA lentil and the Southern Region Agronomy programs to improve weed control options in lentils. Post emergent applications of flumetsulam at label rates on alkaline soils have regularly resulted in yield losses

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Jenabillup ups the ante on lupin yields By Andrew Ware, SARDI NVA Pt Lincoln

Lameroo had the highest rainfall of the lupin sites in 2011, leading to the highest yields.

Jenabillup was the highest yielding lupin variety in South Australian NVT trials in 2011, beating Mandelup by 4% when averaged across all sites.

Seeding of lupin trials was generally complete within the first half of May, with the exception of South East sites at Field and Mundulla that had to wait until June when sufficient moisture was present for seeding to take place.

Six released varieties and a further 21 breeding lines were evaluated at eight NVT sites Andrew Ware in 2011. Seasonal conditions were favourable for lupin production despite most of the sites experiencing a dry period during spring. The mean site yields ranged from 1.31 t/ha at Tooligie on upper Eyre Peninsula to 2.94 t/ha at Lameroo in the Murray Mallee.

The wet harvest in 2010 meant that seed used for trials in 2011 had lower than ideal germination (as was the case with many farmers). Germination percentages were corrected with higher seeding rates, however early vigour was still affected. This affected establishment at several sites and highlights the need for the high germination seed to be used wherever possible.

Growing seasonal rainfall was either average or below at the lupin sites in 2011, but was compensated by high pre-season rainfall (Jan-Mar).

A hail storm in late July hit the trial at Tooligie just as the first flower buds were emerging. The

SA Lupin Variety Trial Yield Performance (2011 and predicted regional performance, expressed as % of site average yield) Lower Eyre Pen. 2011

Long term average across sites

2011

Mid North

Long term average across sites

2011

Long term average across sites

Ungarra

t/hs

% Site mean

No. Trials

Tooligie

t/ha

% Site mean

No. Trials

Spalding

t/ha

% Site mean

No. Trials

Coromup

1.90

102

103

1.91

108

1.84

102

Jenabillup

107

2.00

107

113

2.01

103

129

1.91

106

Jindalee

1.61

102

1.80

1.67

Variety/line

Mandelup

1.96

105

1.96

101

109

1.87

104

PBA Gunyidi

102

1.96

105

2.00

103

101

1.88

104

Wonga

100

1.80

1.89

1.61

Site Av. Yield (t/ha)

2.28

1.87

1.31

1.95

2.09

1.80

LSD (%) Date sown Soil type pH (water) Rainfall J-M/A-O Previous Crop

10 May

16 May

3 May

SCL/CL

5.7

7.8

7.0

104/ 243

132/ 285

190/ 252

Wheat

Barley

Site stress factors

Lupin & Bean

Upper Eyre Pen.

S - sand C - clay L - loam NW - non-wetting / - divides topsoil from subsoil

Abbreviations

Soil type:

Data source:

SARDI/GRDC & NVT. 2005-2011 MET data analysis by National Statistics Program.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

site did recover but yield was affected. The site at Frances experienced severe waterlogging shortly after establishing and had to be abandoned.

by having more shatter resistant pods. This will give growers the option of being able to harvest later without incurring significant losses.

Jenabillup performed better than Mandelup at sites on Eyre Peninsula, the Mid-North and the Murray Mallee, whereas in the South East the tables turned and Mandelup out-yielded Jenabillup by 7%. A dry period, post flowering, in the South East would have benefited the quicker finishing Mandelup compared to the longer flowering Jenabillup.

PBA Gunyidi is moderately resistant to anthracnose and resistant to phomopsis. It flowers and matures early and is resistant to Metribuzin herbicide, but more susceptible to damage from Eclipse®. In four years of evaluation in South Australia, long term averages show PBA Gunyidi and Mandelup as having very similar yields on the lower Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and Murray Mallee. PBA Gunyidi has a yield advantage over Mandelup on the upper Eyre Peninsula, but a disadvantage in the South East.

Newly released, PBA Gunyidi, yielded slightly lower than Mandelup in 2011. PBA Gunyidi (tested as WALAN2289) was released in WA in September 2011. Seed is available to Western Australian growers in 2012 and a decision on its future in eastern states will be made later in the year.

For growers concerned with the risk of anthracnose, Wonga provides the best level of resistance. This does come with a yield penalty - long term averages show Wonga yielding 10% less than Mandelup across South Australia.

PBA Gunyidi has been released as a potential Mandelup replacement that improves on Mandelup

Murray Mallee

South East

Long term average across sites

2011

Lameroo

t/ha

% Site mean

Trial #

Keith

Mundulla

Field

t/ha

% Site mean

Trial #

1.47

1.85

100

108

1.59

105

1.40

101

104

102

1.97

106

1.68

108

1.98

106

1.89

102

1.72

2.86

1.86

105

1.62

107

109

106

1.59

106

1.44

2.94

1.51

1.52

1.70

Frances

Trial abandoned

16 May

19 May

30 June

S/LS

S/C

6.4

6.7

6.9

7.4

6.7

210/ 307

149/ 289

198/ 228

214/ 304

98/ 297

Wheat

hay (o+v)

es, rd

25 May

1 June

pasture de, ls

Site stress factors: w - weeds wa - waterlogging es - establishment h - hail rd - rabbit damage de - dry pre-flowering moisture stress ls - late sown

Lupin & Bean

2011

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

New Wombat a winner By Sue Hoppo

tolerance and dwarf plant type means it is the only option to replace Potoroo. With much improved grain quality compared to Potoroo it should also be an option for milling subject to testing by Uncle Tobys. Unfortunately screenings are often higher than other milling types although they are much improved compared to Potoroo. In South Australia, for the six year period 2005 to 2010, screenings percent for Wombat averaged 10.9% compared to Mitika’s 7.6%. In 2011 Wombat averaged 10.9% screenings across the 11 sites while Mitika averaged 4.1%. However, groat percent, the measure of the percent of the grain

The new dwarf potential milling variety Wombat is a winner on the yield front. It was the highest yielding variety on Eyre Peninsula and at two out of three South East sites in 2011 NVT and Stage 4 South Australian grain trials sown by the SARDI National Oat Breeding Program and New Variety Agronomy Groups. Wombat’s cereal cyst nematode resistance and

Sue Hoppo

SA Oat Variety Yield Performance: 2011 and long term (2005-2011), expressed as a % of site average and as t/ha

Variety Carrolup Euro Kojonup Mitika Mortlock

Upper Eyre

Yorke Pen.

Mid

GreenPatch

Nunjikompita

Paskeville

Crystal Brook

Pinery

100

101

108

102

126

Numbat

Possum

101

108

104

108

Potoroo

104

107

102

101

105

Wombat

115

100

103

117

Yallara

113

111

100

Site av. yield t/ha

3.17

1.51

3.36

3.56

2.34

18 May

25 May

1 June

20 May

31-May

SCL

SL/SCL

SCL/LMC

Wandering

LSD (%) Date sown Soil type pH (water)

Oats

Lower Eyre

5.4

8.5

8.2

6.6

8.4

J-M / A-O rain mm

108/494

107/221

126/209

144/215

126/224

Previous crop

canola

pasture

lentil

wheat

barley

Stress factors

Abbreviations

Soil type: S - sand C - clay L - loam F - fine K - coarse M - medium Li - light H - heavy / - divides topsoil from subsoil

Site stress factors: e - emergence d - dry September dl - drought late ls - late sown r - rust wl - waterloggingmoisture stress

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

remaining once the husk is removed, is a valuable trait for millers. A 1% increase in groat percent can mean significant productivity increases in the mill. In South Australia, for the period 2005-2010, Wombat averaged 2.3% higher groat percent compared to Mitika. This trait is not measured by the NVT program. Mitika once again proved a valuable asset to oat grain growers, particularly in the Mid North and on Yorke Peninsula. Wet springs and summer rain for the last two years have resulted in an increased incidence of oat rust and an increase in the prevalence of

North

the stem rust pathotype Pga. No oat variety has resistance to this pathotype and therefore monitoring of oat crops in any region is critical particularly in years when the risk of infection is high. Growers should be prepared to apply a fungicide to their oat crops if stem or leaf rust infects their crop especially when this occurs early in the season. Mitika, with its MR rating for stem rust pathotypes other than Pga and its R rating for leaf rust resistance, topped the yield at Riverton and Turretfield in the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mid North by 14% to 15% over the next highest yielding variety and at Kybybolite where rust was

Murray Mallee

South East

Riverton

Turretfield

Bordertown

Frances

Kybybolite

Lowbank

109

108

103

107

123

120

107

112

107

106

105

107

102

110

107

106

118

101

106

112

113

108

106

111

102

109

3.16

3.26

4.15

3.14

3.43

1.32

1-Jun

10-Jun

2 June

28 June

26-May

27 May

LS/LS

7.7

7.9

7.5

6.7

6.8

8.1

121/303

142/320

192/269

214/304

239/277

152/116

wheat

pasture

canola

pasture

wheat

ls,dl

Data source: NVT, GRDC and SARDI Crop Evaluation and Oat Breeding Programs (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites) GRDC funded National Statistics Group

Oats

Data analysis:

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

less severe by 4%. The yield of Wandering , which is very susceptible to leaf rust and susceptible to stem rust, was only 52% and 45% of the site average at Riverton and Turretfield compared to its long term average in this region of 103%. Wandering yielded 73% of the site average at Kybybolite compared to its 105% long term yield in the South East. The only trials to have a fungicide applied were Bordertown and Frances. Applications of fungicide are imperative not only to maintain yield but grain quality as well. Yallara was also a stand out at Crystal Brook and was the second highest yielding variety at Nunjikompita. Yallaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s versatility as a grain or hay variety suits it to drier areas. Potoroo was the highest yielding variety at Lowbank but its yield was not as stable across sites due to its susceptibility to rust. However, Possum was stable across environments, yielding above the site average in all trials except Greenpatch. Once again yield variations were high especially for trials where rust was yield limiting. Overall yields were around the long term average at most sites. Bordertown yielded much higher than the long term average for the South East and Lowbanks and Pinery were below their long term averages. Bordertown oats also had phenomenal quality despite the dry finish. Hectolitre weights in the high 50s at this site far exceeded any other trial. The Lowbank site received more rainfall in the period January to March than April to October.

Oats

A wet summer and good rains in mid May saw most trials sown in late May to early June. Only Frances was resown due to missing rows at the early seeding time. Mice were baited in the Mid North, Mallee and Yorke Peninsula regions but the only damage was suffered on Yorke Peninsula. Concerns about the green bridge due to a wet summer were justified in some areas with rust starting early in some trials. By the end of July dry weather and frost had started to slow crop growth in most regions although in the south of the state waterlogging was a problem. Red leather leaf was confirmed in the trial at Riverton but a dry September limited any damage. A couple of hot windy days in September caused some leaf tipping in hay crops. The dry but mainly cool conditions in September were good for early cut hay crops but these conditions delayed crop development and

made the hay cutting season longer than usual. Early October rains finished off grain crops nicely but in the usual conundrum were enough to damage any hay that was cut.â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x2030;By mid to late October stem rust was observed at the Pinery, Turretfield and Riverton sites. Delayed hay cutting combined with an early harvest due to the dry September meant not much of a gap between both operations. The dry September limited grain yields at Lowbanks and Pinery. Luckily, improved weather conditions during grain harvest meant that all trial sites and most of the State's farmers were finished harvesting prior to Christmas with good yields and reasonable quality. Following is a brief summary of some of the newer grain varieties. Factors such as grain quality, disease resistance and maturity as well as grain yield should be considered before selecting the variety best suited to your district and end use. The sowing guide published each year in October/November or on the SARDI website (www.sardi.sa.gov.au) provides comprehensive notes on each variety and is your best guide to choosing oat varieties for both grain and hay production. The new potential milling quality variety Wombat is a high yielding dwarf line with cereal cyst nematode

Long Term average across sites within region Lower Eyre Variety

Upper

%sites av.

# trials

%sites av.

Euro

Kojonup

103

Mitika

102

Mortlock

Numbat

Possum

101

103

Potoroo

100

106

Carrolup

Wandering Wombat

104

107

Yallara

Site av. yield t/ha

3.59

1.64

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

(CCN) resistance and tolerance. It is the first variety since Potoroo to combine CCN resistance and tolerance in a dwarf plant type. It is also the first dwarf variety released by the National Oat Breeding Program to combine CCN resistance and tolerance with stem nematode tolerance. Wombat is currently being evaluated by Uncle Tobys as a potential milling variety and seed will be available for the 2013 season through Viterra. Wombat, like Mitika and Possum, can develop leaf reddening post flowering. This does not seem to affect its yield or quality. Yallara is a premium milling quality variety. It is a tall variety that is also finding a place in the hay market due to its fine stems and improved hay quality. Although improved hay quality comes at the expense of hay yield, premiums for quality can compensate for this yield loss. Yallara has bright grain and high grain digestibility making it suitable for the horse racing industry. Seed of Yallara is available from Viterra. The dwarf milling quality variety Mitika is an early maturing variety suited to all rainfall districts due to its improved foliar disease resistance spectrum1. 1

However, it is intolerant and susceptible to CCN and is not suitable for areas where this is a problem. Mitika has low husk lignin and good grain protein and digestibility making it also an excellent option for feed. Seed of Mitika is available from Seedmark. Like Mitika, Possum is a milling quality dwarf oat susceptible and intolerant to CCN. Possumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early-mid season maturity makes it more suitable than Mitika for medium to high rainfall areas where CCN is not a constraint. Seed of Possum is available from AWB Seeds. Euro and Potoroo are varieties which have now been superseded by Yallara and Wombat respectively. Numbat is a naked oat suitable for feeding mono-gastric animals. Advice should be sought before growing this variety. Wandering, Carrolup and Mortlock are varieties bred in Western Australia and included in NVT and breeding trials. They are not recommended in South Australia due to their susceptibility to nematodes and foliar diseases in this state. Advice should be sought before growing these varieties in South Australia.

Refer to the Oat Sowing Guide published in October/November each year, SARDI website or variety brochures for a more comprehensive listing of the foliar disease resistances for each variety.

(2005-2011) as % site average and number of trials Yorke Pen.

Mid North

South East

Murray Mallee

# trials

%sites av.

# trials

%sites av.

# trials

%sites av.

# trials

%sites av.

# trials

101

100

101

103

105

102

109

105

104

101

105

104

106

103

108

110

103

105

114

103

104

107

106

3.64

3.10

3.31

1.92

Oats

Eyre

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Bogong triticale continues to lead By Ryan Bateman and Rob Wheeler, SARDI

For the fourth consecutive season Bogong has topped the leader board with the highest average yield across the eight triticale National Variety Trial (NVT) sites in South Australia. Above average summer rainfalls across large areas of SA provided most growers with Ryan Bateman a reasonably full soil moisture profile at seeding, maximising the opportunity for the 2011 crop to reach its full yield potential. Six trials were sown during May, while Bute and Turretfield were sown in early June. Even with a below-average rainfall at seeding, along with dry conditions throughout September, triticale yields managed to exceed long term averages across all sites. Across the state, site average yields ranged from 2.3t/ha at Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula to 6.73t/ha at Conmurra in the South East. Over all sites, yields averaged 3.90t/ha, 15% higher than 2010; strongly assisted by timely showers midseason along with excellent summer rains. Amongst the triticale yields for 2011, the relatively new grain varieties released over the past five years continued to dominate in most districts. Once again the newer varieties have outclassed the foundation varieties; an observation becoming more evident each year. The leading performer, Bogong, managed to top the yield rankings at five of the eight sites, with either Canobolas or Hawkeye leading at the other three sites. Overall, Bogong was only 2% ahead of both Canobolas and Hawkeye, being equal for second. Berkshire ranked third, 5% behind Bogong, followed by Chopper (7%). Four other varieties averaged a further 9% below Bogong, with these being Jaywick, Goanna, Yowie, and Tahara. Tickit averaged 6% behind Bogong, however it was only tested in five of the eight trials.

Triticale

Due to seasonal differences in performance, it is important to take into consideration the long term averages and whether the variety has been widely evaluated across seasons and sites when comparing yields of varieties. It is also important to note that rust classifications change regularly

due to new rust pathotypes arising. Please refer to the latest disease guide for updated information. Bogong is an early to mid season flowering, fully awned, stiff strawed grain variety with good resistance to all common field strains of rust. Bogong was released by the University of New England in 2008, and has now been evaluated for five seasons across all sites in SA. Bogong has now all but proven its broad adaptation in SA by topping the NVT results for the fourth successive year. Long term yields (2005-2011) position Bogong at the top, approximately 6% above the average of all varieties across all environments in SA. Despite Bogongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early to mid season maturity, it has still managed to top the trials over the past four years, even with the wide seasonal climatic variation recently experienced. Canobolas is an early to mid season, awned, stiff strawed grain variety that was released in 2008 by the University of New England. One of its notable features is its excellent tolerance on acid soils; however it has now also been classified as moderately susceptible to susceptible to stripe rust. The long term yield of Canobolas matched its 2011 season performance, being 3% above average. Hawkeye, released by AGT in 2007, once again performed well proving that it is a well adapted variety across all seasons and sites (4% above average). Hawkeye is a mid maturing variety with a high yield potential, CCN and rust resistance, and produces large grain with low screenings. Released in 2009 by the University of Sydney, the average yield of Berkshire also equalled that of the 2011 across site average of 3.9t/ha. Most of the top ranked varieties in 2011 were relatively consistent with their long term (2005-2011) yield rankings, except for Berkshire which was marginally down (5%). This was predominantly due to below average yields at Streaky Bay, Bute and Wharminda, however it still managed to outclass the older varieties and produce excellent results. Berkshire is a mid season maturing, moderately susceptible to stripe rust variety that was purpose bred for its feed quality traits for pigs. Tahara and Tickit continue to perform consistently across the State in line with long term yield results but in recent years have begun to be slightly

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

In 2011, Chopper produced yields that were down 4% on its long term average. Chopper, a 2010 release from AGT, is a very early maturing semi-dwarf variety with CCN and good rust resistance. Chopper is more likely to perform well in short seasons and low yield potential environments. Therefore as expected, Chopper performed best at the lower growing season rainfall sites (Pinnaroo and Wharminda), as well as those sites that were late sown (Bute and Turretfield), where results ranged from 3 to 10% above average. Even though Chopper is more suited to shorter seasons, it still has a long term average of 4 and 5% respectively over the older varieties Tickit and Tahara. Jaywick did not perform as well as previous seasons and was down 5% on its long term average. Slightly earlier maturing than Bogong and Hawkeye, Jaywick was released in 2007 by AGT as a broadly adapted variety with good grain quality and good resistance to rust and CCN. Rufus yields remained inferior to the newer grain varieties in 2011 while its own personal performance was also down 6% on its long term average. Rufus is a reduced awn variety, with good rust and CCN resistance, making it a valuable dual purpose variety for hay, grazing and grain production. Abacus, a very long season variety, is now susceptible to stripe rust and consequently suffered the most in the South East trial at Conmurra. However one variety that performed well at the Conmurra site was Endeavour. Released by the University of Sydney in 2007, Endeavour is a reduced awned, long season, dual purpose variety, which is resistant to stripe

rust and CCN. Endeavour yielded 5% above average at Conmurra, however from its three tested sites it remained 8% below average across all sites in 2011. Yukuri is a later maturing, reduced awn, rust resistant, CCN susceptible, dual purpose variety, commonly valued for forage production, and also for producing milling quality grain of wheatlike appearance. As expected, Yukuri performed extremely well at the stripe rust affected Conmurra site (4% above average), but struggled at Greenpatch (12% below) and the lower yielding environment of Wharminda (25% below average). Goanna and Yowie were released by Cooper and Elleway in 2011 and 2010 respectively. Across all sites in 2011, these two varieties finished with yields that were 4% below average. Goanna is an early maturing, medium season, fully awned variety with good grain quality, whereas Yowie is a slightly later maturing, medium season, fully awned variety with modest grain quality. Both of these varieties are deemed to have good resistance to current pathotypes of leaf, stem, and stripe rust. Released in 2010 by Seed Distributors, Tuckerbox is now in its third year of NVT as a reduced awn, late-medium season variety that can be grown for forage or grain. Tuckerbox is a dual purpose option with good resistance to rust and CCN, with yields 2% above Yukuri across all sites in 2011. Being relatively new releases, these four varieties still need further evaluation across seasons within the SA NVT system. Overall 2011 has seen Bogong being given the top honours for the fourth consecutive year, in a season which heavily relied upon excellent summer rains to give most districts above average grains yields despite the dry spring.

Triticale

outclassed by some of the new grain varieties. In 2011, Tahara and Tickit both produced excellent results at Streaky Bay, where they finished 6% and 5% above average respectively. Except within the upper Eyre Peninsula, Tickit continues to have a one to two% yield advantage over Tahara. Tickit is slightly shorter and stiffer strawed then Tahara, but both provide a good disease break option, having resistance to CCN and Pratylenchus.

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

SA Triticale variety yield performance (2011 and long term, 2005-2011, expressed as a t/ha and % of site average yield) 2011

Variety

Abacus

Bute

Conmurra

Greenpatch

Minnipa

Pinnaroo

Streaky Bay

Turretfield

Wharminda

Berkshire

102

103

100

103

106

101

Bogong

105

122

115

104

109

Canobolas

100

111

103

108

104

102

Chopper

103

105

110

Endeavour

105

Goanna

104

100

Hawkeye

100

108

106

104

103

102

Jaywick

100

Rufus

Tahara

106

Tickit

105

Tuckerbox

Yowie

104

Yukuri

104

4.24

6.73

3.92

3.82

4.31

2.3

3.45

2.45

8 June

17 May

18 May

5 May

14 May

20 May

15 June

12 May

C/limestone

SL/LC

SCL

SCL/LiC

NWS

116/208

180/438

108/494

129/252

256/156

124/242

141/320

84/222

6.7

7.5

5.4

8.3

8.1

7.8

7.4

6.9

lupin

beans

canola

pasture

wheat

fallow

pasture

Site av Yield (t/ha) LSD (%) Date Sown Soil Type J-M / A-O rain mm pHwater previous crop Stress factors Abbreviations

Soil type: S - sand C - clay L - loam F - fine K - coarse M - medium Li - light H - heavy / - divides topsoil from subsoil NWS - non wettting sand

Triticale

Site stress factors: de - pre-flowering moisture stress r - rhizoctonia yr - stripe rust wl - waterloggging

SARDI Crop Performance Report 2012

Long term average across sites (05-11)

# trials

South East as %site av.

# trials

Murray Mallee as %site av.

# trials

Mid North as %site av.

# trials

Yorke Pen. as %site av.

# trials

Upper Eyre

107

103

107

104

106

110

106

107

103

104

108

105

102

105

104

100

101

104

102

104

102

106

103

101

104

105

102

101

102

104

100

101

3.013

95 2.067

Data source: Data analysis by:

2.58

3.389

93 2.062

4.985

SARDI/GRDC & NVT (long term data based on weighted analysis of sites) GRDC funded National Statistics Group

Triticale

as %site av.

# trials

as %site av.

Lower Eyre

Wool Marketing Update

Putting sheep back into cropping With wool prices at 20 year highs and prime lamb returns remaining at record levels, many cropping farmers are looking over the fence at their mixed farming cousins with envy. words/ Olivia Fuller

However, while diversifying to an integrated livestock and cropping operation may be good business for farmers wanting to reduce their risks, it is not something to jump into without careful planning. Tony Kidman, Wool Manager SA Eastern, Viterra said having a mixed farming enterprise spreads risk. “Farmers need different types of products in the market to spread risk,” he said.

“10 years ago many farmers went all cropping because sheep and wool prices were low. But farmers who maintained their sheep stocks have seen the benefits. “Lamb and wool prices are at historic highs right now, so it makes commercial sense to integrate sheep into your operation. “If farmers can use crops to feed their sheep then they are going to get a good return on their operation.”

Farmers running self-replacing merino stock are seeing even greater benefits, with merino wool fetching all time highs in US dollars. “A bale of wool at 65% yield can bring you (AUD) $1600 a bale at the moment,” Tony said. “It’s not easy for croppers to break into the sheep market now because they will have high upfront costs, but it is a business strategy worth considering. They will need to take a

Wool Marketing Update

If farmers can use crops to feed their sheep then they are going to get a good return on their operation

long term view.” Lewis Bennett, a fourth generation farmer from Minlaton on Yorke Peninsula, SA, has been running a mixed farming operation for more than 40 years. Lewis has 890 ha at Minlaton and 2,023 ha at Corny Point and uses 50% of the property to crop wheat and barley and 50% to run 3,000 merino sheep and 200 head of cattle. Lewis has used a cropping and livestock rotation one year in one year out his entire farming career. “We’ve always used an integrated approach because it has always worked for us,” Lewis said. “A lot of farmers went into continuous cropping about 20 years ago but I’ve always liked stocks and we find it spreads the risk. In those

years when grain prices dropped dramatically we were still getting a good income out of our stock.” Lewis rotates one year cereal and one year pasture. “That way we get 100% stubble retention without the trash management disadvantages of continuous cropping. “If we get a lot of grass we burn to reduce disease and snails. “By grazing stubbles you virtually get all the residues put back into the ground and I can see the soil health has been improving due to that and due to reducing the amount of tillage we apply.” Lewis says the key to making a mixed farming enterprise work is to enjoy doing it. “You need to like working with

livestock to make it work. Anything you like doing you will do better. “A lot of the younger generation have gone into cropping because they like working with the big machinery and don’t like working with animals. “You also need the right infrastructure on your property for managing stock.” Lewis says that although you may not get the big prices that come with cropping high value crops like pulses, you avoid the lows. But it’s not wise to simply “jump in” to a mixed farming operation. “You do get a steady average income year in year out and there seems to be a lot less financial risk with it. “But for a continuous cropping farmer to invest in livestock it’s not

APRIL 2012

Wool Marketing Update

For more information on integrated farming download the fact sheet ‘Is there a case for sheep in a cropping system’ from grdc.com.au or the guide ‘Sheep - simple guide to making more money with less work’ from sheepcrc.org.au

a matter of being an opportunist and just buying up stock. “You need to invest in good stock and take a long term view and that can be expensive given the price of breeding stock these days.” On the other side of the integrated farming fence is Haydn Lines, who has been running a livestock operation of merino ewes and Angus and South Devon cattle on his family’s 4,000 ha property in Keith SA for 12 years. Four years ago, precision agriculture specialist Felicity Turner suggested he consider integrating

grazing cereals into his operation as part of a renovation program and to increase profitability. After working through the options with his agronomist, Haydn began sowing two varieties of barley and grazing merino ewes over the crops during the winter. “It was an opportunity to cover the winter feed gap, saving me money on hand feeding, and to get a dual income from the barley sown,” Haydn said. Haydn’s integrated crop rotation program involves grazing 40 ha of paddocks with 500 merino ewes for

up to three weeks. Haydn says that while the operation has been successful for him, there are risks to be aware of. “It’s a short window of opportunity with grazing cereals, and you need to get your timing right. If you miss out on your late rains it can be detrimental to the crop. “It’s important to get your stock in early and out early. With a tight finish like we had last September / October there can be yield penalties. “I’m primarily a grazier so it’s not an issue for me to offset losses in grain yield.”

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