NGN Faba bean variety and agronomy trials in Tasmania

Description:

The NGN faba bean variety and agronomy trials in Tasmania aim to address the current limitations in faba bean production within the region. Despite the high cost of importing new varieties and the limited adoption of faba beans due to lower returns compared to other field crops, there is a renewed interest in this legume rotation crop. This resurgence is driven by the development of local market opportunities,

Currently, Tasmanian farmers have limited experience with new faba bean genetics and their performance under local conditions. This includes understanding the appropriate agronomic management practices unique to the region, such as varietal performance, optimal sowing times, and disease management strategies.

Trial work in the High Rainfall Zone (HRZ) of Victoria has shown that faba bean yields can reach up to 9t/ha. This has spurred interest among local growers to explore genetic advancements through the trial of new varieties in Tasmania. Additionally, the trials aim to define the best agronomic practices for the region's specific growing conditions.

Outcome:

By 2027, growers and advisers in Tasmania understand the value of the available faba bean genetics and the best agronomic practices to ensure that high and reliable yields, profits and rotational benefits are achieved.

Outputs.

Output 1.

Title: By February 2026 (and repeating in 2027) trials to access the best combinations of genetics and management packages for faba beans in Tasmania.

Description:

Description: By February 2026 (and repeating in 2027), two trial sites per season in Tasmania, one that could potentially be located on the same site as the NVT and another site in a different region. Trials to assess new and old varieties, time of sowing and also disease management programs.

In-crop assessments will include:

• Water use efficiency

• Phenology (as per NaPA CSP2107-003RTX protocols)

• Biomass and nitrogen fixation (using 15N natural abundance protocols)

• Harvest index

• Grain yield and grain quality

• Economics

Trial locations and reports will be uploaded to GRDC’s Online Farm Trials (OFT), on approval by GRDC.

Output 2.

Title: By February 2026 – communications, extension and impact assessment to raise awareness and summarise key learnings to current and new faba bean growers.

Description:

By February 2026 (and repeating in 2027), delivery of extension and communication activities targeted at growers and advisers to increase understanding of best practice to achieve high faba bean yields in Tasmania. This will be achieved by:

Annual communications, extension and promotional (C, E & P) plan will be submitted to the GRDC as part of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP). The AOP will consider C, E & P activities which may include but are not limited to field days, crop walks and discussion groups. The C, E & P plan will also include the potential for publications, such as farming systems trial reports, and a range of GRDC avenues for promotion and extension of the work. These may include, but are not limited to, GRDC electronic mail for event promotion, GroundCover, GRDC Grains Research Updates, GRDC webinars, GRDC podcasts, video channels, and social media.