ADELAIDE University has released two new faba bean varieties, FBA Coorong and FBA Barmah, which will provide Australian growers with new disease-resistant and export-focused growing options.

The varieties were developed through the National Faba Bean Breeding Program, supported by co-investments from the Grains Research and Development Corporation and research partners.

“We’re excited to expand the variety options for Australian growers with these new releases,” said Adelaide University faba bean breeder Sam Catt.

“FBA Coorong and FBA Barmah have proven themselves over years of field testing, and we’re confident they will help growers boost productivity, manage seasonal risk with greater certainty, and strengthen the long-term resilience of faba bean production right across southern Australia,” Mr Catt said.

Both varieties have been extensively evaluated through breeding trials and have demonstrated strong agronomic balance and suitability for the diverse environments of the southern Australian production zone, which stretches from Western Australia to New South Wales.

FBA Coorong is an early/mid-flowering, mid-maturing conventional faba bean suitable for environments across South Australia, Victoria, southern NSW and WA.

It is a medium-height plant with excellent lodging resistance, a strong disease resistance package and a medium–large seed size.

Its early/mid-flowering time enables performance in low-rainfall, short-season environments, while its mid-maturity and larger seed size allow it to take advantage of medium- and higher-rainfall, longer-season environments.

FBA Coorong’s medium-large seed makes it well suited to the major food markets in the Middle East.

“A focus on breeding for resistance to Ascochyta blight and chocolate spot is central to reliable faba bean production. It helps growers protect yield and maintain confidence in challenging seasons.”

FBA Barmah is an early/mid-flowering, early/mid-maturing and IMI-tolerant faba bean suitable for environments across South Australia, Victoria, southern NSW and WA.

The medium-height variety has excellent standability, a good disease-resistance package and a medium seed size.

Its early/mid-flowering time supports performance in low-rainfall, short-season environments, while its maturity and standability also suit medium- and higher-rainfall districts.

The medium-sized seed produced by FBA Barmah makes it suited to the major food markets, including the Middle East.

“Export markets remain a cornerstone of Australia’s faba bean industry.

“Developing varieties that meet market expectations supports grower returns and strengthens our position internationally.”

For more information on the new varieties, growers can contact Adelaide University, Seednet, or visit the NVT website for regional performance and disease resistance data.

Source: Adelaide University