Central Queensland chickpea growers, advisers and industry stakeholders are invited to the official launch of a high-yielding new variety that promises to deliver improved disease resistance and superior agronomic and seed quality characteristics.

The new desi variety will be officially named and released next Tuesday(September 11) at an event at Emerald Agricultural College.

It is the result of a successful, long-term collaboration between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and other Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) partners, along with commercial partner SeedNet.

Developed specifically for Central Queensland, the new variety has demonstrated strong yield performance and improved Ascochyta blight disease resistance compared with existing varieties grown in the region. It is the first time since 2011 that a Central Queensland-specific chickpea variety has been released.

What: New chickpea variety release

When: Tuesday, September 11, 8.30am-11.30am

Where: DAF trial site, Emerald Agricultural College, Capricorn Highway, Emerald.

In conjunction with the new variety launch, PBA will also hold two field walks the following day for interested growers, advisers and industry stakeholders.

The first walk will be hosted Dr Merrill Ryan (DAF) and Dr Kristy Hobson (DPI) and includes a walk through one of Central Queensland’s chickpea National Variety Trials (NVT) sites. It offers growers an opportunity to see the new desi variety alongside current alternatives.

What: Field walk one – NVT chickpea trial sites

When: Wednesday, September 12, 8am-9.45am

Where: Sullivan’s Farm, Gindie

More information, including directions: Max Quinlivan on 0418 708 252

The second walk, hosted by SeedNet and Galleon Grains, will allow growers and advisers to view the seed production block for the new chickpea variety. This is an opportunity to see the new variety on a commercial scale. Growers are welcome to attend one or both field walks.

What: Field walk two – Commercial production of new chickpea variety

When: Wednesday, September 12, 10.30am-11.30am

Where: Baamba Downs, 3791 Arcturus Rd, Springsure

More details, including directions: Gail Dowie on 0407 783 574