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New hard wheats spark interest for 2005 wheat programs
South Perth, Western Australia
March 11, 2005

The Department of Agriculture, Western Australia has reported strong demand for two new Australian Hard grade wheats EGA Eagle Rock and Tammarin Rock, as grain growers prepare for the coming season.

Tammarin Rock, released in February for adoption in low rainfall areas, has already sold out, but seed of WGA Eagle Rock is available for purchase.

Department commercialisation officer Tresslyn Walmsley said demand had also been strong for the more widely adapted EGA Eagle Rock and seed was being marketed through three licencees- The Seed Group (contact Eastern Districts Seed Cleaners), COGGO Seeds and Coorow Seeds.

“Supply has been impacted marginally as one of the bulk up crops of EGA Eagle Rock was grown in a region where Fusarium Head Blight was detected, resulting in this seed being withdrawn,” Ms Walmsley said.

 “In keeping with current seed health and hygiene approaches to ensure the safety and quality of seed, the Licensee (The Seed Group) in conjunction with the Department will not be making available seed that was subject to risk of spreading Fusarium Head Blight.

“No other seed bulk up crops were impacted by the detection of Fusarium Head Blight in parts of Western Australia in 2004 and purchasers can be confident seed available through the licensees meets high standards of health and quality.”

She said EGA Eagle Rock had the major benefit of the same level of metribuzin tolerance as Blade, the only other wheat with this tolerance.

"Metribuzin can be used to control brome grass, ryegrass, silver grass and barley grass, as well as wild radish,” Ms Walmsley said..

"The use of that herbicide under permit with EGA Eagle Rock will provide a cost-effective and useful option to control these weeds.

"This means lower chemical costs and advantages in helping to manage herbicide resistance.”

Compared with Blade, EGA Eagle Rock has a higher falling number, higher yield and better leaf rust resistance. It also achieves high protein and low screenings with an acceptable black point level.

The waterlogging and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance also appeals to growers in higher rainfall zones.

EGA Eagle Rock also has the best combination of rust resistances of the Australian Hard wheat varieties.

Ms Walmsley said it was understood that all three licensee's have seed stocks of EGA Eagle Rock available for purchase.

Further information on suitability, adaptation and production of the variety Tammarin Rock is available in Farmnote 18/2005, available from the Department of Agriculture’s website (www.agric.gov.au) and offices.  A Farmnote on production aspects of EGA Eagle Rock is expected to be available in early April.

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