Australia
May 2, 2007
Australia's a step closer to
having a national durum wheat industry, with a variety now
available that's been bred for Central Queensland.
Jandaroi* is a quick maturing variety with a grain yield
equivalent to prime hard bread wheat.
Ray Hare, Principal Research Scientist at
New South Wales Department
of Primary Industries, led the team that developed the
variety, with assistance from the
Queensland Department of
Primary Industries and Fisheries and funding from the
Grains Research and Development
Corporation (GRDC).
"The industry's strategic plan highlights the need for a
reliable supply of high-quality grain for both the export and
domestic markets.
"The impact of dry weather over recent years emphasises the need
to expand production right across the country to minimise
disruption from regional weather events," Dr Hare said.
"The Italians, Japanese and Koreans are looking for our durum
wheat, and Jandaroi provides an opportunity to expand our
growing base enough to provide some certainty of supply."
While northern New South Wales has a good durum industry,
there's very little grown in Queensland at the moment.
"Queensland growers recognise that durum has the potential to
return premiums over other grains and would like to try it, but
until now have not had a suitable variety," Dr Hare said.
"Jandaroi will fit their needs, and also those of Western
Australian growers, because the short growing season allows it
to produce grain before limited soil moisture runs out, even in
tough seasons.
"This also makes it a viable option in other areas when there's
a late break to the season.
"It has triple rust resistance, good agronomic features and is
classed Australian Durum," Dr Hare said.
This year is the first time Jandaroi has been commercially
available, through AWB Seeds distributors.
* Variety protected under the
Plant Breeders Rights Act 1994. |
|
