Australian grain growers now have access to a web-based online database that contains independent results on the performance of new and emerging crop varieties.

NVT Online – www.nvtonline.com.au - contains the results of the 2005 National Variety Trials from almost 500 trials at about 230 locations across Australia. The database also contains historical yield data from state crop variety testing programs held between 2000 and 2004.

By accessing this easy to use and free searchable database, users will be able to view trial and variety reports for the 10 winter field crops: wheat, barley, triticale, oat, canola, lupin, lentils, field peas, faba beans and chickpeas. A key feature of NVT Online is the ability to search for results relevant to specific regions. Mapping software enables users to select a site on a map and view results for that site.

As information from harvests are entered and are analysed by biometricians, the database will deliver a full range of data from trials right across Australia. Users will be able to access information on yield, protein and/or oil content, percentage screenings and disease resistance. As well, there is a range of management and site specific information available such as chemical and fertiliser use, sowing data, harvest dates and soil type and rainfall.
According to NVT Manager Alan Bedggood, the National Variety Trials are carried out under strict protocols to improve the quality of information available to growers and enable delivery to within about two to three weeks of the NVT trials being harvested.

“This means that with NVT we are producing information for growers that is timely, independent, accurate and verified in an easily-accessible, up-to-date format”, Mr Bedggood said.

Demonstrations of NVT Online will be held throughout Grains Week at the National Convention Centre in Canberra between 5 and 6 April.

The NVT Online software is a finalist in the Australian Information Industry Association awards for leading edge information and communication technology to be presented later this week.

NVT is supported by the Australian Government and growers through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and managed by the Australian Crop Accreditation System Limited (ACAS)