Fremantle, Western Australia
October 8, 2008
Dr Anthony Biddle of Processors
and Growers Research Organisation, Peterborough, UK, speaking at
the GRDC supported 12th International Lupin Conference in
Fremantle, Western Australia, told delegates there were many
constraints to UK grain lupin production.
"Much of the arable land is alkaline, partly because the break
crop is sugar beet, which uses a lot of lime and varieties that
grow best are late maturing, creating a time conflict as growers
need to clear fields for winter crops.
"Other issues are variable yield and inadequate weed control,"
he said.
Dr Biddle indicated problem weeds include brassicas and black
bindweed, but herbicide options for weed control were limited to
chemicals approved for use in beans and peas.
He said lupins have a small niche market in the UK, mainly for
on-farm livestock feeding and the total area sown to lupins is a
mere 6000 hectares. |
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