A new kabuli chickpea variety will be commercially released in time for the 2004 growing season in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA).

GCN133-2 is the product of a grower and Federal Government supported five year Grains Research and Development Corporation project to improve kabuli chickpea yield and quality for the ORIA through the introduction of genotypes from Spain, Mexico and Greece.

In evaluation trials from 1999 to 2002, GCN133-2 produced on average six per cent greater seed yield than Macarena, the current preferred variety in the ORIA.

It meets all market requirements for seed quality and produces a greater proportion of seeds larger than 10mm in diameter and five per cent greater seed weight than Macarena.

Contact: Kadambot Siddique, Tel 08 9380 7012