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Australian Oilseeds Federation: Sunflower and soybean crop report

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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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