Australia
December 19, 2014

Growers are being encouraged to submit samples of desi and kabuli chickpea seeds as part of a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) project focused on eliminating grain defects in chickpeas.

The call for samples follows the appearance of seed markings in some desi and kabuli chickpea crops again this year on the back of weather damage.

Dr Jennifer Wood from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is gathering research to map the incidence of defects against weather data across Australia, to determine the underlying causes of chickpeas genetic susceptibility.

This research will enable chickpea breeders to select more robust varieties for the future and ensure agronomic practices are as effective as possible in minimising the risk of defects.

“We would greatly appreciate chickpea samples of any condition, whether they look clean or contain visibly diseased, marked or weathered seeds,” Dr Wood said.

As part of the initiative, any seed sent in will be tested for germination, emergence, seed borne diseases and moulds by Dr Kevin Moore at no charge and results will be sent back to the grower.

Growers should note however that the testing service does not include a certificate of germination.

Samples of harvested grain should be sent in 500g quantities, double bagged and should be a representative sample of the entire harvested crop.

Information to be submitted with the grain sample includes variety, address of the crop paddock (preferably GPS coordinates), dates the crop was sown and harvested, flowering and maturity dates if available, whether the crop was stressed in the field, whether the crop showed reddening of the foliage and whether there were varieties nearby that weren’t affected.

Samples should be addressed to Dr Jennifer Wood, c/- Kate Keir, NSW DPI, Tamworth Agricultural Institute, 4 Marsden Park Road, Calala, NSW, 2340.For more information or a sample information sheet, please contact Dr Wood on 02 6763 1157 or email jenny.wood@dpi.nsw.gov.au

 

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

Published: December 19, 2014