Australia
June 25, 2013
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has welcomed the release of the new mungbean variety, Jade-AU .
James Clark, GRDC northern panel chair says advances in yield are always welcome and a substantial gain of 12 per cent on the widely-grown mungbean variety, Crystal will advantage growers.
Mr Clark says summer grains including mungbeans are cementing their place in northern rotations as valuable breakcrops for managing pests, diseases and herbicide resistance.
Summer grains can also lift farm profits by adding income and potentially reducing fertiliser and other costs, he says.
GRDC has recently invested more than $3.75 million over five years in the Northern Pulse Agronomy Initiative as well as ongoing support for the mungbean breeding program to the tune of more than $1.5m over five years.
In addition, there is further GRDC investment in pest and disease management relevant to summer grains including mungbeans.
GRDC investments in pre-breeding allow breeders and seed companies to progress potential lines to release more efficiently, Mr Clark says.
To hear Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland (DAFFQ) pulse breeder Col Douglas discuss the benefits of Jade-AU , visit www.grdc.com.au/MR-MungbeanJade