AEGIC’s Larissa Cato and InterGrain wheat breeder Dan Mullan sample udon noodles made with flour made from Firefly wheat. Photo: InterGrain

AMONG the new varieties available to plant next year are BASF’s first InVigor canola variety to incorporate the Truflex trait, and Intergrain’s Firefly noodle wheat.

First triple-trait canola

BASF has released InVigor LR 4540P, its first triple-trait TruFlex variety.

It joins InVigor LT 4530P, launched in 2021, in having the LibertyLink and PodGuard traits exclusive to InVigor hybrids, and also has the TruFlex trait

“InVigor LR 4540P provides a valuable opportunity to introduce a new mode of action, not previously used in broadacre cropping, into their canola program.

“This will give more flexibility than any other variety on the market,” BASF Seeds and Traits Australia and New Zealand head Gavin Heard said.

“Growers now have the opportunity to introduce Liberty Herbicide on top of their TruFlex spray program.

Mr Heard said use of InVigor LR 4540P would aid control of certain weeds including annual ryegrass.

BASF has added InVigor LR 4540 P to its canola offering. Photo: BASF

Last year’s National Variety Trials results placed InVigor LR 4540P among the top TruFlex performers in low to medium-rainfall environments with yield upside and weed control, and it ranked first for harvest flexibility.

InVigor LR 4540P also performs  well in medium to high-rainfall areas.

It includes BASF’s unique PodGuard trait, which provides a much higher level of shatter tolerance than varieties bred out of traditional programs.

Along with compact plant height, PodGuard offers increased flexibility in harvest timing, and reduced harvest yield loss.

InVigor LR 4540P is scheduled for commercial release in time for the 2024 cropping season, and its incorporation of TruFlex and LibertyLink traits means it will be classified as genetically modified.

Next-generation noodle variety

InterGrain yesterday launched Firefly as its latest noodle wheat variety at the Bolgart wheat NVT site in Western Australia.

Intergrain wheat breeder Dan Mullan said Firefly is set to replace commonly grown noodle varieties Zen and Calingiri with a mid-to-slow spring maturity which complements its robust yield potential and exceptional quality.

“Trialled as IGW8192, Firefly consistently stood out in the noodle wheat breeding program with outstanding yields,” Mr Mullan said.

“It has an impressive yield advantage, averaging 11-15 percent higher than Zen and Calingiri and 3pc than Hard wheat Scepter, underscoring its potential as a yield leader.

“Firefly can be sown from late April through to early May, when early planting opportunities arise, similar to Zen and Calingiri.”

InterGrain wheat breeder Dan Mullan launches Firefly at the Bolgart NVT site in WA. Photo: InterGrain

Firefly offers an effective disease resistance profile including strong stripe and yellow leaf spot resistance, while providing good grain size and hectolitre weight.

WA has been producing high-quality noodle wheat for udon and similar noodle markets for over
four decades, and has gained global recognition for its ability to grow grain that perfectly matches the
preferences of udon noodle consumers in Japan and South Korea.

Earlier this year, Mr Mullan and InterGrain chief executive officer Tress Walmsley travelled to both nations to share information about InterGrain’s new generation of noodle varieties.

“We were pleased that during our trip, Firefly received the tick of approval from the Japanese market,” Mr Mullan said.

“InterGrain has strong relationships with Japanese and Korean udon processors and scientists to ensure its unique noodle wheat-breeding program is tailored to continually improve noodle colour and texture for the premium export market.”

Firefly is available for planting in 2024 and interested growers should place seed orders with local WA Seedclub members and/or resellers.

Source: BASF, InterGrain