The Pulse Development and Extension project program, funded by GRDC and led by Agriculture Victoria, is in its’ final year of funding, but there are some exciting trials for 2024.

Key trials run by SFS will include:

• Variety by Time of Sowing (TOS): Building of knowledge gained from the same trial run over the last few years. Three times of sowing will be tested – early April (sown last Friday 12th), late April, and mid-May. Early sowing has been found to increase yield, but increases the risk of disease. Later sowing reduces disease and lodging risk, however decreases grain yield.
• Stubble Management in Faba Beans: As growers move away from burning, alternative stubble management techniques are being explored. Wheat stubble slashed, speed disced, and left standing will be trialled along side burning, this trial will evaluate the ease of sowing, establishment, and in-season management of faba beans. This will help in decision making regarding faba beans and their fit in the farming system.
• Disease Management in Vetch: Vetch is becoming increasingly popular in the HRZ, particularly as a legume that can be used for hay. This trial will look at disease and canopy management, and the best fungicide strategies and application timings for the region.
• Spring Sown Chickpeas: In recent years there has been quite a bit of success growing spring sown chickpeas in the HRZ, but more information is needed about their optimal management. The trial will explore different sowing dates and plant densities, as well as varietal evaluation.
• Spring Sown Lentils: A popular pulse in other parts of the country, lentils have not been widely grown in the HRZ due to concerns around waterlogging and acidity. While this trial is yet to be confirmed, there is interest in looking at the crop in a spring sown system after successes over the last few years. If it goes ahead, the trial will look at basic agronomy and whether the crop might be a fit for systems in the HRZ.

There will be opportunities to see and discuss these trials in more detail at crop walks and events throughout the season, so keep your ears out for updates! If you want to see pulse trials like these continuing after this season, make sure you reach out to local GRDC grower relations managers or Southern panel members and express your thoughts on the program.

By Audrey Gripper, Senior Research & Extension Officer