2018 yields were generally low across the Wimmera and Mallee but each season has a new story to tell and variety trial results indicate some interesting traits of newer varieties in tough conditions.
Varieties will be a key discussion topic at the BCG Trials Review Day on Friday 15 February held at the Birchip Community Leisure Centre and BCG research and extension officer, Genevieve Clarke, who will present on the day, said growers need to consider the historical or long-term performance of a variety rather than basing decisions on a single season.
“Given the exceptional seasons of 2016 and 2017, the performance of some varieties may look remarkably different when compared to a tougher season like 2018,” Ms Clarke said.
The growing season last year was characterised by difficult establishment as early rainfall was variable and generally low. These conditions appear to have favoured the shorter season varieties in 2018.
GRDC National Variety Trials (NVT) grown across the Wimmera and Mallee, reflected the challenges growers were experiencing in the paddock including the patchy start, low in season rainfall, frosts and in some areas, a wet harvest. Some trials were abandoned due to the above factors, but there is still value in seeing where the newer varieties fit in a much lower rainfall year.
The barley variety RGT Planet – which was ‘one to watch’ after positive results in 2016 and 2017 – was consistent with BCG trial results, in the respective seasons. NVT trials at ten Wimmera and Mallee sites in 2018 showed RGT Planet yielded reasonably well, being in the top half of varieties trialled at six of the nine sites.
“More than just yields need to be considered when making variety choices and therefore growers are advised to consider the resistance ratings and their fit in their system before changing varieties,” Ms Clarke added.
Ms Clarke will present results from the second year of the GRDC-funded ‘Managing early sown wheat’ project which aims to determine the suitability of long season wheats for the Wimmera and Mallee environment.
GRDC NVT Southern region Manager, Rob Wheeler, will discuss the ‘star’ cereal performers from the NVT sites, while Agriculture Victoria and Southern Pulse Agronomy’s, Jason Brand, will discuss pulse variety results from 2018.
The BCG Trials Review Day is a members-only event. Lunch, refreshments and a copy of the 2018 BCG Season Research Results compendium are provided. Non-BCG members can purchase memberships prior to, or on the day.
For more information about the BCG Trials Review Day visit the website at www.bcg.org.au or phone the office on (03) 5492 2787.
This article was published in the Stock and Land, 10 January 2019.
