South Perth, Australia
July 24, 2003

Following the discovery of ascochyta blight in Australia, a national commitment to fast track resistant chickpea material is set to deliver results to growers.

Department of Agriculture principal plant breeder Tanveer Khan said a marginally resistant desi chickpea, Howzat, from New South Wales had so far shown promise in Western Australia and was being used as a benchmark for new lines.

Dr Khan said a large number of varieties with greater ascochyta resistance would become available within two to three years and rejuvenate the chickpea industry.

“There are clear prospects that level of resistance to ascochyta in future varieties will be such that a single fungicide spray or no fungicide spray will be required,” he said.

“These new varieties will not only rejuvenate the chickpea industry but contribute to its future expansion and sustainability.”

Dr Khan said two new desi chickpea lines WACPE 2075 and WACPE 2095, bred by the Department of Agriculture and CLIMA, had shown a greater degree of resistance than Howzat and also appeared to be better adapted.

“One of these new lines is likely to be considered for release next year with the prospect of reaching farmers by 2005,” Dr Khan said. “The new variety is expected to reduce fungicide application and also offer yield and quality superior to Sona.”

Dr Khan said a moderately resistant kabuli variety was likely to be available from CLIMA for WA farmers by 2005.

NSW Agriculture was also considering the release of up to three desi lines and one kabuli line in 2005/2006.

Victorian Department of Primary Industry has nine desi and kabuli lines under consideration for releases planned between 2004 and 2006.

Dr Khan said new high yielding varieties were also being progressed for regions where ascochyta blight did not occur or was potentially less damaging, such as the Ord River Irrigation Area and Central Queensland.

“In such areas, yield and quality is still the primary consideration and as a result the Department of Agriculture’s desi line, WACPE 2012, is likely to be released for Central Queensland later this year,” he said.

“The Department will also release a large seeded high yielding kabuli variety for the Ord River region in 2004.”