Australia
March 10, 2008
Source:
Australian Oilseeds
Federation
Sunflowers
2007/08
The good rain through February has helped lift sunflower
estimates marginally. The crop is estimated to be almost 60%
monounsaturated and just short of 40% polyunsaturated type.
The late plant in Central
Queensland has been disappointing, however there has been an
increase in the area planted in Southern Queensland,
predominately in the St George irrigation region.
The Moree early plant harvest is nearly complete with
yields ranging from 1.0‐1.4t/ha. Harvest has been drawn out due
to intermittent wet weather. Late crops around Moree range from
8 leaf to late flowering. Yield potential is quite good if mild
conditions continue and there is further rain in the next 10
days to 2 weeks. There is some Rutherglen bug pressure, but the
levels are quite sporadic. Spray decisions are currently being
made. There is some concern that the later sown crops may be
risking frost damage prior to physiological maturity.
Harvest of the early plant on the Liverpool Plains is
currently underway and fine, warm weather is assisting with a
smooth harvest. Yields have been variable with a dryland crop
yielding as high as 2.7t/ha, although average yields have been
considerably lower. Generally yields are a bit better than
expected and an average yield of between 1.5 – 1.7t/ha is being
targeted. The late plant is at varied growth stages with the
earlier sown portion well into grain fill, and the latest sown
only vegetative still. The main planting time which was
early–mid January is late budding through to petal drop.
Rutherglen bug pressure has been low and there has been some
greenhouse whitefly in crops, although very few crops have
required control. Powdery mildew has been present at
varying levels. However a return to hotter conditions, with no
rain and ample sunshine will hopefully halt its advance. Yield
potential for the late plant remains high, with an average of
1.7t/ha estimated at this stage of crop development. Rain in the
next couple of weeks would greatly assist in cementing in a high
yield potential. There is some concern that the later sown crops
may be risking frost damage prior to physiological maturity.
Soybeans
2007/08 Crops in
Queensland are generally looking good, except for some
issues with inoculants in the Queensland coastal region. The
Darling Downs will need rain soon to secure yields. There are
some reports of insect presence.
The North Coast region of NSW is drying out, but
prospects are still for a below average crop. Beans that were
late planted have been impacted by the cool, wet conditions and
lack of sunlight hours and are very short. Flowering is
starting. Conditions are mixed through other parts of NSW. The
inland irrigated regions are looking good and there may be some
upside. Crops around Glenn Innes has been impacted by the cool,
wet conditions and some area will be lost to hay. In other parts
of the inland dryland region, crops are still looking
reasonable. Crops in the Macquarie and Lachlan were planted late
and this will limit yield potential. The small area planted in
the Riverina is looking good and crops are growing well. Some
evidence of insects is emerging. |
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