Australia
February 20, 2014

Farmers can potentially save themselves time, effort and money in the long run by taking advantage of seed testing services now available for chickpeas.

Through a project supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), grain growers can test chickpea seed for pathology, germination and vigour at no extra cost through the NSW DPI at Tamworth.

Pulse Australia senior industry development manager for the northern region Gordon Cumming said without knowing the percentages for your seed, it is impossible to know how much to plant.

“We have had instances in the past where seed has looked fine but it has only had 30 per cent germination potential.

“In that case the farmer would have had to rip the paddock up and start again which would have been extremely costly.”

The test also tells farmers whether the seeds carry seedborne diseases such as Ascochyta blight and Botrytis grey mould.

Growers wanting to have chickpea seed tested should send 300-400g (two to three cups) of seed from each seed lot to: Kevin Moore, C/- Gail Chiplin, NSW DPI Tamworth Agricultural Institute, 4 Marsden Park Rd, Calala, NSW, 2340.

Results will be available in two to three weeks.

For more information contact Dr Kevin Moore at NSW DPI Tamworth on 0488 251 866, kevin.moore@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: February 20, 2014