GRDC supported research to produce variety specific packages for wheat yield and quality found EGA Eagle Rock had modest yield performance, but provided metribuzin tolerance, triple rust resistance and high falling numbers.

The Department of Agriculture’s Steve Penny said although Eagle Rock yielded 7-19 per cent less than the highest yielding variety at different sowing times, it had the best package of resistance to rust diseases.

“Eagle Rock may be considered for paddocks where such weeds as barley grass and brome grass pose a serious problem and is a cheap and flexible option to assist weed management where a lower yield would be acceptable.

“An Australian Hard variety with medium maturity, it yields best when sown in May.

“The lupin-wheat rotation can also take specific advantage of a new metribuzin tolerant lupin variety Mandelup, thus eliminating the risk of residual herbicide in dry years.”