Southern Farming Systems (SFS) is continuing to explore the potential of faba bean production in Tasmania through a suite of variety and agronomy trials at Hagley, supported by the GRDC National Grower Network.

The faba bean variety and agronomy trials have progressed well this season under generally favourable conditions. However, the run into harvest has been slowed by a heavy understory of wireweed beneath the pulse canopy. As the weed cannot pass through the header, affected trials were desiccated and harvest is currently on hold until the wireweed breaks down sufficiently. Disease pressure across the site has been low, which limited the ability to differentiate fungicide responses this season. As a result, the variety × fungicide comparison will be repeated next year as part of the three‑year project to better capture variation under higher disease pressure.

Three autumn‑sown trials are now nearing harvest, including a 3 variety × 3 fungicide program comparison, a tickbean density trial, and an Amberley faba bean density trial. The fungicide programs range from nil to a budget two‑spray strategy and a full three‑spray approach. While disease differences have been minimal, the trials are still providing valuable insight into how varieties respond structurally and visually under differing management intensities.

The density trials are also testing a wide range of plant populations — 10, 20 and 30 plants/m² in faba beans, and 30, 40 and 50 plants/m² in tickbeans — aimed at informing practical sowing rate decisions for Tasmanian growers.

Across all autumn trials, distinct varietal differences in flowering and podding timing have been observed. These observations will be explored further in the SFS Results Book Reports and are helping build a clearer picture of which genetics best suit Tasmanian production windows.

Complementing the autumn program, a spring‑sown variety evaluation trial is also underway, featuring seven varieties, including released lines and advanced breeding material. Currently at pod fill, this trial is offering valuable insights into alternative sowing windows in the local climate.

Together, these trials are building a robust, multi‑year dataset focused on variety fit, fungicide investment, and practical plant densities — supporting the future of reliable faba bean production in Tasmania.

By Grace Evans, Senior Research & Extension Officer