Winter 2009 News - GRDC · Winter 2009 News Contact: Fleur Winter, PBA Coordinator, [email protected], ph: 0417 926 033 ... Congratulations to the PBA chickpea, lentil and faba

Winter 2009 News Contact: Fleur Winter, PBA Coordinator, [email protected], ph: 0417 926 033

PBA NEWS

First five pulses – PBA releases

PBA is excitedly awaiting the release of its first pulse varieties. Five varieties are scheduled

for release in 2009, two chickpeas – CICA0512 and CICA0503, two lentils - CIPAL 411 and CIPAL 415, and one broad bean Gilb/57/6-1. Congratulations to the PBA chickpea, lentil and faba bean breeding teams, their commercial partners - AWB Seeds for chickpeas, PB Seeds

for lentils and Keith Seeds for Gilb/57/6-1 - and the PBA pulse agronomy teams for all their efforts to bring to market these new varieties, which should have a significant impact on

improving outcomes for pulse growers in the target growing areas. Names are being selected and variety guides prepared for the spring releases (see launch dates below). Here is a wrap of the new varieties, including the key findings from the pulse agronomy research teams that

will ensure optimal production and profitability for the new pulse varieties.

Chickpea pair

CICA0512

This chickpea is suited for all chickpea growing areas of northern NSW and southern Qld.

It is highly resistant to ascochyta blight, having

significantly better resistance than other regional varieties, including Flipper . If necessary, fungicide applications during podding will effectively control

ascochyta blight. It is also moderately resistant to phytophthora root rot (slightly better than

Jimbour ). CICA0512 is high yielding (equivalent to Jimbour )

and its seed is similar to Jimbour and suitable for both splitting and direct consumption end use.

A beautiful stand of CICA0512 at Breeza,

Liverpool Plains

mailto:[email protected]

PBA WINTER 2009 NEWS Page 2

CICA0503

Suited to all chickpea growing areas in southern NSW, Victoria, SA and WA, CICA0503 is highly resistant to ascochyta, requiring fungicide applications during podding only for effective ascochyta blight control.

It displays a consistent yield advantage over currently

available varieties across southern Australia and its seed quality is superior to other ascochyta resistant varieties.

CICA0503 is well suited to no-till, inter-row sowing on wider rows (30-60cm) into standing residue. It has shown

an increased sensitivity to high rates (2x label rate) of flumetsulam on calcareous alkaline soils compared with Genesis 090, suggesting a narrow safety margin may apply

to this herbicide.

Lentil duo

CIPAL411

CIPAL411 is high yielding in the short season environments of southern Australia (5-15% higher than Nugget). It is early to mid maturity and better suited

than Nugget to early sowing dates (early May) in these environments, provided its susceptibility to botrytis grey

mould is managed (susceptibility is similar to Northfield). Its early maturity makes CIPAL411 better suited to crop topping for weed management than other

varieties.

CIPAL411 is moderately resistant to seed and foliar ascochyta blight and shows improved tolerance to soil boron over current varieties and improved tolerance to

salt compared to Nugget. It has shown a similar herbicide tolerance reaction to Nugget at label

recommended rates of registered herbicides on calcareous alkaline soils.

CIPAL411 can be more prone to yield loss at maturity than other varieties in windy environments due to

improved standing ability at maturity. Timely harvest is critical in all lentil varieties to avoid yield and quality losses. It is well suited to no-till, inter-row sowing on wider rows (30cm) into standing

residue.

CIPAL411 produces a medium sized red lentil with a green coloured seed coat that displays good milling quality.

CIPAL411, NVT Trials 2007

CICA0503 seed


CIPAL415

Higher yielding than Nugget (5-10%) in all lentil growing environments of southern Australia, CIPAL415 has a prostrate early

growth habit with mid maturity. It is moderately resistant to seed and foliar

ascochyta blight, moderately susceptible to botrytis grey mould; and shows improved tolerance to salt compared to Nugget.

CIPAL415 has shown an increased sensitivity to

high rates (2x label rate) of metribuzin compared with Nugget (similar to Nipper ) in limited trials, indicating care is required with

this herbicide. It requires similar management to Nugget for maximum yields in southern

Australia. Producing a small sized red lentil with round

seed and a grey coloured seed coat, CIPAL415 seed is similar to Nipper .

Better broad bean

Gilb/57/6-1

Gilb/57/6-1 is a new broad bean variety to

replace Aquadulce in the lower South East of South Australia and high rainfall districts of

southern Victoria. It has much improved seed quality characteristics, with more uniform colour, absence of “evergreen” seeds and its

overall size is larger than Aquadulce. Yields are similar to, or slightly higher than,

Aquadulce. Gilb/57/6-1 is moderately resistant to

Ascochyta blight and marginally more resistant than Aquadulce to chocolate spot.

Agronomic management of Gilb/57/6-1 should be similar to Aquadulce.

CIPAL415 NVT Trails 2007

Seed of Gilb/57/6-1


Optimising agronomic management of new PBA

pulse varieties

Dr Jason Brand, Vic DPI Mr Larn McMurray & Mr Michael Lines, SARDI Dr Eric Armstrong & Mr Luke Gaynor, NSW DPI

Best practice agronomic management systems, such as early sowing, crop topping and wider inter-row sowing, combined with improved varieties ensures yield stability and profitability

for pulse producers. Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) is developing future pulse varieties in collaboration with the pulse agronomy research programs that will maximise yield and yield stability and offer increased weed management options in evolving farming systems where

moisture conservation is a key element to success.

The pulse research community has a long term vision to provide farmers with high quality, productive and reliable pulse production systems that will improve profitability and lead to increased production and an expansion in area.

These systems involve two major components linked with strong industry focus:

Agronomy/management - The PBA pulse agronomy programs and teams (and in particular for the current variety releases, the SE Australian Agronomy program) develop best management practices for each new variety and conduct systems

research to identify traits that are needed to further enhance pulse production in changing farming systems and environments.

Breeding/genetic enhancement - Each PBA breeding program contributes through genetic improvements for key traits.

The first PBA varieties have been evaluated extensively in agronomic trials throughout Australia and will be officially released this spring. On farm experiments investigate issues

such as sowing time, plant density, row spacing, residue management, weed management, herbicide tolerance and identify implications for the whole farming system. This data, collected and analysed by the pulse agronomy programs is used to develop the variety

management packages released with each new variety and for advice to Pulse Breeding Australia (PBA) on the characteristics required in pulses for modern farming systems. Variety

management packages are a very important part of a variety‟s release and will ensure that growers have access to correct management information to optimise crop performance and

therefore enhance rapid variety uptake. All PBA released varieties will be protected under Plant Breeder‟s Rights (PBR) legislation.


PBA variety launch and agronomic field days

The new PBA chickpea (CICA0512 and CICA0503), lentil (CIPAL415 and CIPAL411) and broad bean (Gilb/57/6-1) varieties will be launched across all relevant regions throughout

August/September/October 2009, details as follows. Varieties Date and Time Venue Contact

South Australia

Lentil: CIPAL415 CIPAL411

Chickpea: CICA0503 Broad bean: Gilb/57/6-1

Mon 12 October Thurs 29 October

Paskeville, Yorke Peninsula Mackillop Farm Management Group, Conmurra

Wayne Hawthorne (PA) 0429 647 455 Jeff Paull (Uni Adelaide) 0419 859 140

Victoria Lentil: CIPAL415 CIPAL411

Chickpea: CICA0503

Tues 20 October @ 1.00pm

Wimmera Field Day, Horsham Victoria

Wayne Hawthorne (PA) 0429 647 455

Southern NSW Lentil: CIPAL415 CIPAL411

Chickpea: CICA0503

Wed 7 October Yenda Trevor Bray (PA) 0428 606 886

Northern NSW/Southern Qld

Chickpea: CICA0512 Wed 7 or Thurs 8 October

To be announced – (Moree/Goondiwindi Region)

Jon Thelander (AWB Seeds) 0429 314909 Gordon Cumming (PA) 0408 923474 Ted Knights (NSW DPI) 0428 670663

WA Chickpea: CICA0503 Friday 21 August @ 1.00pm

Mingenew – Irwin Group Heavy Land Field Walk at Wongundy

Richard Prusa (AWB Seeds) 0417 891 436 Kristy Hobson (DPI Vic) 0428 327 679


Pulse Feedback – Australian Grains Industry

Conference

A number of PBA pulse breeders and researchers attended the Australian Grains Industry Conference and the Pulse Crop Reference Group Forum event on Monday 27 July, organised

by Pulse Australia (PA). New PBA varieties and promising lines were also displayed to the marketers at the PA stand over the two days of the conference. Wayne Hawthorne will

collate and provide a full report on all crops from the Pulse Crop Reference Group in the near future. Here is some preliminary feedback gleaned by the PBA representatives (from the lentil, chickpea and faba bean programs) in attendance:

Chickpeas

There is a perception that Kyabra darkens less over time than other comparable desi

varieties (e.g. Jimbour , Moti , Yorker ) – Tamworth researchers thinks it may be possible to test this perception.

An Egyptian trader preferred CICA0857, the large seeded selection from FLIP97-114C and Almaz over the other kabuli lines presented (on the basis of colour (especially), size).

A Sri Lankan trader preferred the white seeded kabuli (looked like a slightly smaller version of Macarena) because of its colour. He said the market size in Sri Lanka for

this type was 25,000 t/yr. The marketers were overall happy with most lines displayed, however were less

impressed with smaller sizes (desi and kabuli) and greenish tinges (desi).

Lentils

There seems to be a more positive attitude toward Nipper (coat colour concerns as

different to Northfield) among Australian buyers and processes generally. Several overseas buyers also showed positive interest in Nipper . Concern regards all grey coats is subsiding and being replaced by a positive outlook in

terms of contamination risk (however there will be concerns in the interim when many seed coat colours exist).

Boomer is being sent to Sri Lanka for splitting as a substitute for pigeon pea. This market was promoted by the Canadians, and Boomer was identified as suitable for this market on the PBA trip to India in 2008.

Interest for large reds in Sri Lanka could result in a premium for this type, adding justification for the release of a few breeding lines from the pipeline.

Faba bean

Some lines were favoured because of their differences to the “main stream” faba beans, and the opportunity they presented (i.e. Farah and especially Nura are well

liked). Whilst a large seed size is preferred by some markets, there appear to be other

markets that are prepared to take (or even prefer) a medium or small seed size. The development of faba beans specifically for splitting markets or stockfeed markets

has potential if managed well (including appropriate segregation). Darkened and old season grain can cause marketing issues. Affected seed is either

sold as feed, or dehulled and then sold (as kernels are unaffected). However, the

result is generally a large price discount to growers. Jenny Wood‟s display of aged


beans attracted interest and confirmed the problems that it causes to growers and marketers.

Hydration and cooking times are important in faba beans for whole seed and canning markets. Both genotype and environmental factors (particularly drought/late season

moisture stress) affect hydration. Raising industry awareness of avoiding sourcing beans from stressed environments and assessing hydration before supplying beans to

canning markets would assist in reducing future marketing issues. Hydration testing is currently being estimated on breeding lines.

All crops – segregation issues

Segregation was discussed as a potential issue for all pulses as new varieties with differing quality attributes (and GxE interactions e.g. season/region can have an effect on

hydration of faba beans) enter the market. Seed uniformity (colour, shape, size) is very high on the wish list for all pulses.

Admixtures of varieties are not acceptable.

Some of the aware smaller handlers may be in a position to segregate if they can make a profit from doing so.

Closed-loop systems may be beneficial if a new variety with significantly different quality attributes is to be released to target niche/smaller/specific markets.

Scientific forum

A number of interesting topics were presented at the inaugural PBA Scientific Forum in

March. To provide PBA members with some informative reading forum presenters have submitted articles on the topics they discussed – enjoy.

Novel molecular strategies leading to large scale

application of marker-assisted selection in lupin breeding

Dr Bevan Buirchell, Senior Plant Breeder, DAFWA Dr Huaan Yang, Molecular Geneticist, DAFWA

Over the last two decades, a large amount of investment has been directed towards research on marker-assisted selection (MAS) for plant breeding worldwide. However, examples of

large scale marker implementation in practical plant breeding are few, which is due to two major challenges. The first challenge is the difficulty in developing markers which are cost-

effective and amenable to large numbers of samples; the second challenge is that it is very hard to develop markers applicable to large numbers of crosses in a breeding program.

At the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA), we have developed a novel DNA fingerprinting technology called “MFLP”, which is capable of generating molecular markers in

high efficiency. These MFLP markers can easily be converted into a cost-effective format desirable for routine implementation in plant breeding. Furthermore, a new marker strategy has also been developed by which multiple candidate markers are identified and validated

before the best candidate marker is selected and converted into an implementable format. This maximises the chance that the final developed marker can be applied to a wide range of

crosses in a breeding program.


Dr’s Yang and Buirchell Dr Yang discussing the markers on an F2 population from the lentil breeding program

By application of the above molecular strategies, a number of molecular markers have been established at DAFWA, including markers for anthracnose resistance, phomopsis resistance,

low-alkaloid, and other agronomic genes of interest in narrow-leafed lupin and albus lupin. Since 2005, about 15,000 to 24,000 breeding progeny plants have been screened and

selected by molecular markers annually in the (now PBA) National lupin breeding program. Outside of soybeans in North

America, this makes the PBA lupin breeding program the only example in the world of

large-scale application of molecular markers in legume

breeding. The MFLP technique could be

applied in other breeding programs and, although not

restricted to such, it is especially useful for single gene traits. Markers have already

been developed for traits controlled by quantitatively

expressed multiple genes, such as anthracnose resistance in albus lupins.

The MFLP technique does not require any sophisticated

machinery – only electrophoresis apparatus and PCR machine – so it can be easily set up in small breeding programs.

We offer an open invitation, to anyone who wishes to learn the MFLP technique and see how it could be applied to their breeding programs or molecular research, to visit our molecular

laboratory.

Doubled haploid protocols for chickpea and field pea

breeding

Dr Janine Croser, Miss Kylie Edwards, Mr Federico Ribalta, Dr Tanveer Khan, Prof John Kuo and Prof Kadambot Siddique , CLIMA

The technique of doubled haploidy is useful to plant breeders in a number of ways. Most

commonly it is applied to accelerate breeding through the development of homozygous lines from early generation crosses. It has also proved useful in the development of completely homozygous populations for a range of molecular applications. As a result, doubled haploid

populations have proven valuable to breeding efforts in species such as canola, barley, wheat, maize and rice.

There are two steps to the creation of a doubled haploid plant. Firstly, pollen is cultured in the laboratory to form a complete plant known as a haploid. As the haploid plant is not a

product of fertilisation, it has only the male genetic information and not the combination of the male and female information as in a seed-derived plant. For example, a chickpea plant

has 16 chromosomes whereas a haploid chickpea plant would have 8. A field pea plant has 14 chromosomes and a haploid field pea plant would have 7.


In the haploid form the plant is infertile and thus not useful to a plant breeder. The second

step of the process is therefore to chemically double the chromosomes of the haploid plant to produce the same number as would be found in a normal seed-derived plant. The resulting

„doubled haploids‟ look like any other seed-derived plant and are completely fertile. They are of great value to plant breeders because the copying process ensures they have two identical

copies of the same genetic information making them true-breeding. This single generation process replaces up to six generations of selfing (self-fertilisation) currently used to produce true-breeding varieties.

The leguminous species have historically been unresponsive to efforts to develop a protocol

for the production of doubled haploid plant material. Researchers at the University of Western Australia (UWA), the University of Saskatchewan (UoS) and the French National Agricultural Research Institute (INRA) have been working together to overcome this lack of

progress and develop robust protocols for chickpea and field pea. This has resulted in the recent publication of world first protocols for doubled haploid production in both species

(Grewal et al. 2009; Ochatt et al. 2009). The method of intact

anther culture (Figures 1-4) has been adapted to

develop double haploid plants in chickpea and field pea. Critically, it has

been discovered that chickpea and field pea

require a pyramiding of stress treatments in order to induce the switch from

„normal‟ development of the pollen to haploid

development. Researchers at the three institutions are now

working with a range of germplasm in an effort to

widen the application of the protocols and ensure their relevance to the

national breeding programs. Research is

also underway to see if the new techniques will be

applicable to other economically important legume species.

1. A view inside the immature chickpea flower bud showing the

anthers.

2. Single intact chickpea anther dissected and placed in tissue

culture.

3. Chickpea embryos arising from anther surface.

4. Chickpea plantlet from

germinated embryo in culture.

Intact Anther Culture Sequence


Uptake on a broader scale in the national breeding programs will translate into a reduction of three to four years from the time it takes to produce a new variety. Farmers are set to

benefit from a faster breeding response to production threats and market signals.

In Australia, this work is supported through an Australian Research Council Industry Linkage project (LP0562111) with the support of The Council of Grain Grower Organisations (COGGO),

The Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA) and UWA.

Sensory analysis testing for pulse quality

Ms Briony Liebich, Sensory Specialist, Provisor

The quality grading of pulses in Australian has traditionally been based upon the subjective

analysis of seed size, weight, yield and colour. These characteristics are judged by a visual inspection of the seed, with little to no regard to favour or texture. Similarly, breeding programs have had a production based approach to crop selection, focused on yield, pest

management, disease resistance, shelf-life properties and shortened crop cycles. These elements, although undeniably important to economic production, result in a product that is

driven almost exclusively by yield with flavour, texture, ease of cooking and other attributes important to end consumers left, it would seem, to chance.

In today‟s economic climate producers

need to adapt to the increase in consumer

demand for higher quality produce and the burgeoning

economic pressure to establish a point of

difference within the global market. In such a competitive

environment, a complimentary

strategy to standard crop selection that initially identifies what

it is that consumers prefer and then

establishes a protocol that can identify these attributes, can add significant value to a product. When

selecting for consumer preference, sensory analysis stands alone as the only analytical tool that can firstly identify and then continue to develop key sensory properties.

Implementation of sensory testing in pulse breeding programs is challenging due to the wide variability in pulse varieties. Physiochemical properties and the effects of soaking, cooking

times and storage effects on dry pulses have all been investigated to a degree, but data is lacking for description of sensory characteristics that differentiate pulse varieties especially in terms of flavours that are liked or disliked. An example of a sensory approach is shown in

Figure 1.

1. A view inside the immature chickpea flower bud showing the

anthers.

2. Single intact chickpea anther dissected and placed in tissue

culture.

3. Chickpea embryos arising from

anther surface.

4. Chickpea plantlet from

germinated embryo in culture.

Figure 1: An approach to improving pulse quality using sensory evaluation


Sensory evaluation tools offer data that is objective and reproducible. The food industry most often uses three sensory panel types; well-trained assessors, consumers and experts who

judge product quality to an industry standard.

A trained panel is a vital tool that can define a suitable descriptive language for a range of pulse varieties to record data more systemically and to facilitate better communication

between scientific, agricultural, market and consumer information. This is the most common approach to sensory research, but just knowing how pulses differ and developing quality standards is not enough to move the industry forward. The best way to sell anything is to

ask what the end users want and use insights from appropriate consumer groups to guide product development. Do pulse consumers really prefer faster cooking times or is a creamier

flavour preferred? Market feedback can come from online surveys, giving people products to cook at home, or

having people taste products in a specialised tasting facility if samples need to be cooked in a particular way. By linking consumer data with trained sensory panel data and physiochemical

data the driving factors for choice and liking can be identified and selectively bred for to increase consumer acceptability.

For a successful sensory program it is imperative the research aims are clear and take into account the purpose and limitations of sensory methods. Existing industry knowledge must

be incorporated to standardise quality parameters and establish tools to measure them consistently. With a sensory program, no matter how limited resources are, Australian pulse varieties will improve greatly and perform better than others on the market.

PBA sensory experience

The final session of the inaugural PBA Scientific forum focussed on the organoleptic (sensory) testing of

pulses. The session was held at the SA Food Centre and involved a presentation by Briony Liebich Sensory

Specialist, Provisor (see article above) a tour of the South Australian Food Centre facilities and PBA members participation in a pulse taste testing

consumer panel.

The SA Food Centre was launched in late 2008 as part of South Australia‟s Food Plan 2007 -2010 which aims

to create an innovative, competitive and world-renowned food sector. The Food Centre is a partnership between SARDI, SA TAFE, the universities

and industry. The aims of the South Australian Food Plan are to develop capabilities in food businesses,

develop new products and explore the health benefits of foods. Currently the SA Food Centre is working on a project examining the health benefits of pulses in collaboration with the University of Manitoba, funded from the SA Premier‟s Science

and Research Fund. SA Food Centre facilities include packaging machinery, food microbiology and analytical

laboratories, a microbrewery, wine making facilities, semi-commercial cooking aids (such as large temperature controlled boilers and pasta makers) and numerous custom kitchens utilised by the centres chefs and students for baking, pastry making, meat preparation and

Mmmmm, yummy! – Brondwen MacLean assessing samples. Always fashion

conscious, Bron is wearing an

appropriately spotty ‘pulse’ dress.


Dr Ahmad with ICARDA scientists discussing field trials at Tel Hadya Research Station

general cooking/chef training. Many of the facilities and machinery can be hired out on an hourly or daily basis. The SA Food Centre is involved in food development from concept to

finished product and can provide assistant with issues such as packaging, product appeal, eating quality, food safety, shelf life and marketing strategies.

In order for PBA members to gain an insight into the

workings of a sensory test panel they participated in the sensory testing of some pulse samples. The group was divided into two panels and each panel

participated in two tests, a degree of liking test and a triangle test for either chickpeas or lentils. Stewart

Eddie, Senior Food Technologist, SARDI and Larn McMurray directed the panels to taste the samples prepared by Dr Parminder Sidhu, Senior Research

Officer, SARDI. The degree of liking test involved preference testing a number of samples for attributes

such as appearance, colour, taste and texture. Panellists had to rank the attributes on a scale of seven and then select the sample they most preferred

overall. The triangle test involved discerning which of three samples of a prepared dish was different from

the other two.

Ahmad visists ICARDA

Dr Ahmad Maqbool, SARDI

Established in 1977, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) is one of the 15 international

research centres strategically located all over the world and supported by the Consultative

Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). With its main research station and offices located outside of Aleppo, Syria,

ICARDA works through a network of partnerships with national, regional and

international institutions, universities, non-governmental organisations and ministries in the developing world and with advanced

research institutes in the industrialised countries. ICARDA has a global mandate for

the improvement of barley, lentil and faba bean and regional Central and Western Asia and North Africa (CWANA) countries

Larn McMurray, Parminder Sidhu and Paul Colby dish samples. (Hmm a not so subtle attempt to hide bad hair or in one case – a

lack thereof??)


mandate for kabuli chickpea, pastures, durum and bread wheat, forage legumes and associated farming systems.

Pulse Breeding Australia has strong collaborations with ICARDA. Dr Ahmad visited ICARDA in

late May 2009 and presented a seminar on the current status of pulse germplasm enhancement research activities and pulse breeding programs in Australia. He also held

discussions with different ICARDA program leaders including leaders from the chickpea breeding program, lentil breeding program, faba bean breeding program, international germplasm exchange program, virology program, biotechnology group, legume pathology

group, entomology program, geographic information system unit, conservation agriculture, gene bank group, and seed production unit.

ICARDA‟s chickpea breeding program targets the key constraints – diseases (ascochyta blight and fusarium wilt), insect pests, and abiotic stresses, especially drought and frost. Chickpea

breeding research is conducted largely at Tel Hadya Research Station near Aleppo. The key outputs of the chickpea breeding programs are:

a) Elite breeding materials with resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and good

agronomic traits have been developed for specific environments and shared with

national and international collaborators. b) National breeding programs in almost all chickpea growing countries including

Australia have used elite germplasm for either direct release or in their breeding programs.

c) Conventional breeding is complemented by the use of molecular markers,

helping to accelerate the transfer of resistance genes from wild Cicer species into high-yielding genetic backgrounds.

d) Ancestral species of chickpea are used in the hybridisation program to broaden the genetic base.

ICARDA has a global mandate for lentil breeding and improvement. The key research focus is to develop germplasm and breeding lines resistant/tolerant to drought, heat, frost, salinity,

fusarium wilt, rust, stemphylium blight, viruses, ascochyta blight, orobanche, aphids and sitonia. ICARDA also identifies and improves germplasm with adaptation to climatic variability suited to low input farming systems in the dry areas. The main lentil breeding

research is also conducted at Tel Hadya Research Station. The key outputs of the lentil breeding program are:

a) Expanded lentil production in developing countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India,

Nepal, Turkey) and developed countries (Australia, Canada) through the

utilisation of ICARDA germplasm. b) Early and extra early varieties have been developed to suit short growing season

and low-rainfall areas.

The faba bean breeding program at ICARDA aims to develop improved germplasm with high yield, tolerance/resistance to major biotic and abiotic stresses and good grain quality traits. The main breeding research is conducted at Tel Hadya and Lattakia Research Stations in

Syria and at Terbol Research Station in Lebanon. Elite germplasm is sent to all collaborators for specific genetic adaptation in their respective environments. The key outputs of the faba

bean breeding programs are:

a) Abiotic stresses: drought, frost, heat and salinity.

b) Biotic stresses: ascochyta blight, chocolate spot, and parasitic weed, orobanche. c) Grain quality: range of seed sizes, low tannin, low vicine-convicine.


Dr Ahmad also visited chickpea, lentil and faba bean breeding trials consisting of more than

5000 advanced breeding lines, primary populations and other germplasm at Tel Hadya Research Station, and selected chickpea, lentil and faba bean germplasm tolerant to drought,

heat and frost/cold. This new set of germplasm will be imported this year through the Australian Temperate Field Crops Collection (ATFCC) unit at Horsham and will be shared

within PBA.

Pulses in NVT

Allan Bedggood, NVT

Origin

The National Variety Trials (NVT) program was created by GRDC in 2005 to accommodate the change to commercial plant breeding that was occurring at that time. NVT replaced the previous Crop Variety Trials (CVT) system, which served two purposes:

it aided public plant breeders in making variety release decisions, and provided advice to growers on new variety releases.

Prior to NVT, the CVT programs were co funded by the GRDC and the relevant state

government. CVT existed in all states except Queensland where variety testing was integrated within the wheat breeding program itself. In 2005 many CVT programs were aligned with or affiliated to commercial breeding programs and access to lines from

competitors was limited. Consequently, there was a risk that varieties would be released without undergoing public scrutiny with regard to their performance. This led to the proposal

for a national variety trial system that captures new varieties from all Australian breeding programs for independent and unbiased evaluation. The NVT System has been developed to verify breeders‟ data about their new varieties through independent evaluation.

Conditions

Important conditions of the NVT program are:

All participants sign a Participation Agreement that includes confidentiality clauses regarding the use of trial results.

All performance information on unreleased genotypes is not to be made

public. This restriction is made to encourage all plant breeding programs to freely contribute material to the NVT program.

No breeding program can conduct NVT trials. Successful state government tenderers for conducting NVT trials had to show a separation of their plant breeding and regional crop testing groups.

Nominations into NVT trials are accepted on the condition that the genotypes nominated be available in commercial quantities of seed as released varieties in two

years from the date of release. The acceptance is slightly different for canola in that nominated genotypes are to be commercially available to growers in the year following nomination.

Pulses in NVT

The need for NVT has been driven by the increasingly commercial focus of plant breeding

programs in Australia. Wheat, Barley, Canola and triticale fit into this category as there are competing breeding programs within Australia operating in a competing commercial environment. Pulse breeding programs are different in that (with some exceptions noted

below) there are generally single, national GRDC-supported programs for each crop. The


pre-2005 regional variety trials were a component of the plant breeding process. The pulse breeding programs continue to use the NVT trials in the same way, as additional breeding

trials to help identify and release new varieties.

There is more flexibility in the nomination and acceptance process of pulse entries nominated for the NVT trials program each year. The national breeding programs generate the seed of

commercial varieties used in all NVT trials. In return for producing this seed, these breeders are allowed to make additional nominations (of lines that may not be released in two years time) to bring up the number of trial entries to be a minimum of 15. This is seen as the

minimum trial size for NVT trials.

Trials

The GRDC has maintained the number of regional trials that existed pre-2005 for the development of new pulse varieties in the NVT program. The NVT program accepts the results of the plant breeding trials to add to the NVT‟s national database of results and to

give more confidence in developing predictions of varietal performance for growers. There were no pre-2005 regional variety trials conducted in Queensland outside of the plant

breeding program. Thus, there are no NVT chickpea trials in Queensland. The same number of trials are being utilised to release new varieties before and after the introduction of the NVT program.

The concept of national breeding programs for the pulse crops is only a generalisation as

there are competing programs occurring at various times. Field pea has had two companies that introduce germplasm from overseas and commercialise varieties in Australia. For example, Yarrum and Maki from the University of Sydney and SW Celine from Access

Genetics. Chickpea has an additional program in WA with COGGO releasing varieties to growers. Plant Research NZ also has commercial pulse breeding interests in Australia. More

companies may make valid NVT nominations from time to time in the future. Consequently, access to the performance of unreleased genotypes remains sensitive in the commercial arrangements being made for the release of new varieties.

Use of trial results

Within the NVT structure, the GRDC owns all trial data. The GRDC ensures that NVT provides

breeders with all trial data related to their own lines, but only allows the public release of NVT data on commercial lines. Plant breeders may utilise NVT trial information on the performance of their own genotypes

internally, however, there is a restriction on the release of this performance information to any third party without the GRDC’s permission. This includes the plant

breeder passing NVT information regarding the performance of their own unreleased lines to a third party.

The NVT website provides all information for growers and advisors on the performance of pulse varieties. If the information is obtained though a protected part of the site (a password

is used to access areas of the site) then this information is protected by the confidentiality terms of the GRDC Participation Agreement. There are trial results that are not made public

(those with a CV greater than 15%) as well as the performance of unreleased genotypes, as explained earlier.

The surest way to use NVT trial results knowing that all conditions of the GRDC Agreements are being met is to only make public information obtained from an unsecured area of the NVT

website, that is, where no username and password are required.


PBA October meeting dates

The next PBA Coordination Group and Board meetings will be held

in Horsham on 20 and 21 October. The meeting dates have been arranged around the Wimmera Field Day (20 October) to allow

Board and Coordination Group members to attend the launch of the first PBA chickpea and lentil varieties for the southern region. Everyone is very excited to see all the hard work of the breeding

programs coming to fruition in our first PBA branded variety releases. Michael Materne, Tony Leonforte and the team at Horsham are also putting

together a tour of the Horsham PBA facilities and Professor Bert Vandenberg leader of the Genome Canada MM project at the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan will address the group. It is anticipated that there may be some ICRISAT representatives present

as well – this launch is taking on a decidedly international flavour. Outcomes of the busy Horsham visit and meetings will be circulated in a PBA update following the meeting round.

PBA accross crop priorites

The Coordination Group has developed a number of across

crop PBA breeding priorities (extra to those already being pursued in the breeding programs) as a means of value

adding to PBA. This is a pro-active step towards directing future pulse research of significance to PBA by informing the research community of PBA needs and potentially targeting

funding bodies for projects. The across crop priorities are as follows:

Development of pulses with better adaptation to water-

limiting environments

The aim of this priority is to identify germplasm that is better adapted to water–limiting environments so that breeders can incorporate this trait into new varieties and give growers greater certainty in yields when growing pulse crops.

Low yields and profitability in low rainfall years and environments is a major limitation to the

successful adoption and expansion of pulses across all regions of Australia. Profitable yields in dry years or environments that are characterised by periods of transient and terminal drought stress are essential for reliable and profitable pulse production, enabling growers to

capitalise on the rotational benefits that pulses provide and ensuring a more consistent supply of product.

This may become increasingly important if increases in rainfall variability due to climate change lead to more frequent periods of water stress.

Expected outputs include:

germplasm with better adaptation to water-limiting stress delivered to pulse breeding programs, in particular PBA.

PBA to meet at

new varieties

launch

Check out the GRDC

Investment Plan for 2010-

11 (to be released 27

August) to see where PBA

priorities align with GRDC

strategy.


simple and efficient screening techniques delivered to pulse breeding programs, in particular PBA.

increase in scientific capability to identify and understand the mechanisms involved in improving the adaptation of pulses, to water-limiting environments.

The growing of pulses in low rainfall regions should become more economical as growers can

rely upon consistent yields. This will lead to an expansion of the area grown to pulse crops with a subsequent benefit for rotations and nitrogen for the following cereal crops.

Development of herbicide tolerant pulses

The aim of this priority is to investigate and develop herbicide tolerant pulses. PBA aims to

deliver to Australian growers superior pulse (field pea, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and lupin) varieties faster. A lack of reliable herbicide options in pulses limits weed control and hence reduces pulse yields, production and area. Inability to adequately control weeds in pulses

affects their adoption or continuing role in farming systems, given that prevention of weed seed set in each crop is a key component of weed management.

The development of pulse varieties with improved tolerances to herbicides will increase the productivity and profitability of pulses in Australia. Furthermore the development of pulses

with multiple herbicide tolerances will reduce the risk of herbicide tolerance weed development in intensive cropping systems of Australia.

Expected Outputs:

Technologies

o Germplasm with improved levels of tolerance to multiple registered herbicides delivered to pulse breeding programs, in particular PBA.

o Lentil and faba bean germplasm with novel sources of herbicide tolerance delivered to pulse breeding programs, in particular PBA.

o Simple and efficient herbicide tolerance screening techniques delivered to pulse

breeding programs, in particular PBA. Research capacity

o Increase in scientific capability to identify and understand the herbicide tolerance in pulses.

o Phenotyping skills for the rapid, non destructive screening of populations for

herbicide tolerance. o Capacity to cooperate with international efforts in herbicide research.

Scoping study to determine future research on key viruses

and their vectors in temperate pulse crops

The aim of the study will be to determine the research priorities for virus-vector research in temperate pulse crops. The outcomes will lead to future research projects focussed on developing management tools for controlling viruses.

Significant yield losses in pulse production have been associated with virus infections in

Australia. Up to ten different viruses have been reported infecting pulse crops with different prevalence depending on years and areas. Little is known about the virus/vector/host crop complex and about the interactions leading to successful spread of the virus between and

within crops. The existing knowledge in this area needs to be collated to determine what gaps exist and the research required to overcome this. Some predictive model systems have


been developed and the ability to use these on a national scale as management tools needs to be determined.

Expected Outputs include:

Collation of existing knowledge of pulse viruses (exotic and endemic) that can impact on temperate pulse crops in Australia

Develop a risk matrix of pulse viruses based on potential production impacts Determine future research priorities in managing pulse viruses in the Australian

environment.

Improving food quality and end use market acceptance of

Australian Pulses

The priority aims to improve characterisation of key quality parameters needed in Australian pulses along with the faster development of varieties with superior quality so as to allow rapid acceptance and market access of Australian grown pulses.

Improving the market acceptance of Australian pulses should lead to an increase in producer

confidence in growing pulses, expansion of the pulse crop area and in turn increases in overall farming system sustainability. The development of pulse varieties with superior quality will also allow access to premium or niche markets increasing total market size and

providing opportunities for potential higher returns to growers.

Outputs would include: germplasm with improved quality characteristics delivered to pulse breeding programs,

in particular PBA

simple, cost effective and non destructive quality screening techniques delivered to pulse breeding programs, in particular PBA

an increase in scientific capability to identify and understand the quality in pulses, and phenotyping skills for the rapid, non destructive screening of populations for quality.

PBA capacity building

PBA has a number of objectives, including to - contribute to education, training and teaching

programs related to pulse breeding. The aim of this priority is to ensure the ongoing viability of the Australian pulse industry by having a well-qualified sustainable workforce with the

capacity to continuously innovate and meet the research needs of the future. This priority involves implementing a postgraduate training stream within PBA that would not

only increase the skills of current members but also increase the breadth of pulse researchers in Australia. PBA has proposed a number of areas that may suit specific PhD projects.

However, attracting the brightest and the best and ensuring they are well linked to PBA breeding programs is the desired result.

Expected outcomes: high quality research in areas of strategic relevance to PBA.

training of postgraduate students which in turn will: o increase the Australian capability in pulse research and o contribute to succession planning.


UPCOMING EVENTS

PBA Technical Symposium

The second PBA Technical Symposium will be held at the University of Adelaide Waite Campus on 17, 18 and 19 August 2009. All PBA technicians should have received a program of events and accommodation details.

PBA technical staff can contact Kevin James (e-mail: [email protected] or ph: 08

8303 7281) for more information.

CICILS/IPTIC convention 2010

The next CICILS/IPTIC (International Pulses Trade and Industry Confederation) convention is to be held in Brisbane, Saturday 1 May to Tuesday 4 May, 2010. It is expected to be a major

event with over 600 international pulse traders present. Registrations open Monday 9 November 2009.

See the website for updates: http://www.cicilsiptic.org/convention_2010/c_01home.htm.

PBA PROGRAM NEWS

Faba beans

Dr Jeff Paull

Seasonal Update

Seasonal conditions have resulted in significant levels of foliar diseases in both the Southern

and Northern regions. The timely opening rains, and continuing good falls have resulted in a high level of Ascochyta blight in some breeding and NVT trials and crops in SA and Vic. Preliminary rating indicates that there should be excellent discrimination between resistant

and susceptible lines this year, something that has not occurred in the recent drought seasons. Several of the most advanced breeding lines are clearly more resistant than Farah

and Nura . It is too early in the season for chocolate spot to develop, but if current conditions persist this could be the first season since 2005 in which there is field selection for

chocolate spot resistance. Last year‟s relatively high levels of rust in the northern region on the moderately rust

resistant variety Cairo has prompted increased research and monitoring activities on this disease. A greenhouse testing program is being developed that will allow quantification of

resistance. Testing of vetches and other legume species has given indications of a higher variability in the rust population than previously assumed. Again this year, possibly because of the mild winter temperatures, rust can be found in most Cairo crops in the north. Faba

beans production in northern NSW has spread to new regions this year, and rust can be found even in sites that have no recent cultivation of faba beans in their vicinity. This raises

questions about the source and spread of rust inoculum. Commercial crops of the new (and more resistant) variety Doza are being closely watched. So far only the odd rust pustule has been observed in Doza ; they are being currently increased and will be tested for

possible changes in virulence.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cicilsiptic.org/convention_2010/c_01home.htm


New varieties and multiplications

Several advanced lines have been reselected to ensure uniformity of seed traits and disease resistance and are being multiplied in 2009. These include:

974*(611*974)/15-1 which is an Ascochyta blight backcross derivative of Manafest and

well adapted to the South East of SA; IX114/16-1, the highest yielding line in NVT trials in northern NSW in 2008, it is early

flowering, resistant to rust and BLRV and tolerant to frost; and AF03063-1, the highest yielding line in Southern Region NVT trials in 2008 and

resistant to Ascochyta blight and comparable to current varieties for chocolate spot

resistance. All lines have positive seed quality traits. Additional advanced lines are being reselected for

disease resistance and multiplied. Decisions on progression to release will be made at the end of the 2009 season.

New disease resistance

University of Adelaide Master‟s student, Ali Raza Jamali, has investigated alternative sources of disease resistance, including a study of Chinese faba bean germplasm that was introduced

to Australia via recent ACIAR funded projects, and a comparison of the resistance of various Australian varieties. Jamali has confirmed a significant level of chocolate spot resistance in Acc1714/1 which originated from Gansu and was introduced by the late Harry Marcellos. This

line has resistance equivalent to Icarus, something that is very rare in germplasm that originated from any region other than the Andes. Another key finding is that the Ascochyta

blight resistance of Nura and Farah are controlled by different, non-allelic genes. Resistance of Farah is dominant and Nura is recessive in crosses to the susceptible Icarus, while transgressive segregation was observed in the F2 of Nura / Farah . It is hoped that

the new molecular marker project will lead to the identification of markers linked to these resistance genes to enable them to be pyramided.

First report of root rot disease in South Australia

In December 2008, plant pathologist Rohan Kimber (SARDI) and faba bean breeder Dr Jeff Paull (University of Adelaide) investigated reports of commercial broad bean crops (cv.

Aquadulce) exhibiting root-rot symptoms in

the south-east of South Australia. First

attempts to isolate the causal pathogen yielded a range of fungi,

including Fusarium and Phoma spp. Further

collaborative efforts between Mr Kimber and fellow pathologist Mr

Joop van Leur (Ag NSW) confirmed the

causal pathogen as Aphanomyces Root Rot (ARR) caused by

Aphanomyces euteiches (see picture). This is

the first report of the Aphanomyces Root Rot (courtesy Joop van Leur) – Aphanomyces euteiches infected faba bean plants cv. Aquadulce (left) and susceptible check (right)

compared to resistant check plants (centre).


disease in faba bean in South Australia after previously being found in commercial crops and research trials in NSW by Mr van Leur. ARR is a major disease in field pea in many pea

growing countries in the world but reports in Australia have been at low levels on peas, subterranean clover and Phaseolus bean. Little is known of its distribution or importance to

Australian farming systems. Preliminary investigations by the PBA faba bean breeding program hope to clarify the status of resistance to ARR of the programs most advanced broad

bean material.

Farewell

Jim Egan (SARDI) retired at the end of July. Jim provided a valuable contribution to the faba

bean breeding program for many years coordinating trials on Eyre Peninsula and in more recent years overseeing the SARDI faba bean trial program. Many thanks from the faba bean

program and happy retirement.

Chickpeas

Mr Ted Knights 2009 is shaping up as one of the most important (and hopefully successful) years in the

chickpea industry‟s 30 year history. It only seems yesterday that the first crops of Tyson were drawing curious looks from passers-by on the back roads of the Darling Downs and northern NSW. This year sees a likely record crop area (>350,000 ha) and, with even an

average finish to the year following a generally good start, possibly record production. To go with this positive industry outlook is the imminent release of two ascochyta resistant, desi

varieties: CICA0503 for the south/west and CICA0512 for northern NSW/southern Qld. Earlier this year the Release Advisory (RAG) decided to discontinue plans to release CICA0505, a sister line to CICA0503, in WA. CICA0503, which has shown a significant yield

advantage over current western varieties, will fly the PBA flag there as well as in SA, Victoria and southern NSW. In keeping with tradition, both will have names based on the cricket

theme. The RAG has also recommended the release of a third desi line (CICA0702) for Central Qld. The Biloela crew of Peter Keys and Peter Agius did a great job in initiating and bulking up the

Pure Seed. This was handed over to AWB Seeds, PBA‟s commercial partner for desi chickpeas, earlier this year and three seed increase areas are now well underway in Central

Queensland. Despite three harrowing years of drought in southern Australia, Kristy Hobson has still

managed to get a new ascochyta resistant kabuli line to the bulk-up stage. CICA0857 is a medium-large seeded line with good ascochyta resistance and high yield potential across a

broad range of south-eastern environments. It was singled out by marketers visiting the PBA/Pulse Australia stand at last month‟s Grains Australia Conference, and this market

suitability, high yield and disease resistance together should ensure good demand from growers when it is eventually released. AWB Seeds have been selected as PBA‟s commercial partner for kabuli chickpeas, and CICA0857 will be handed over for seed increase early next

year.

2009 is also „crunch‟ time for two of the breeding program‟s higher risk components. In one, two related wild species have been used as sources of resistance to root-lesion nematode, and in the other, one of these species has also been used as a phytophthora resistance

source. Second backcross lines (i.e. containing an expected 12.5% of the wild parent) are being tested in a range of disease nurseries at Tamworth, Horsham and Warwick this year to

see how much of the useful trait has been transferred, and conversely, how little of the


baggage that normally comes with wild relatives. If all goes to plan, these lines will make their way to Stage 1 trials in

2010.

Jenny Wood, Pulse Chemist at Tamworth, reports that her laboratory has ISO9001 certification, which means that we

can have extra confidence in the results that Kate Keir and Jenny provide. Our chickpeas have established a good reputation in overseas (particularly Indian) markets, thanks

in no small measure to the work of pulse labs around the country. However, we‟re not sure what the ISO inspectors

will think of Jenny‟s latest „freak‟ when they do their audit shortly......

Lupins

Dr Bevan Buirchell As the National Lupin Breeding Program has recently been included in PBA here is a brief rundown of its aims and objectives.

Within the National Lupin Breeding Program, new narrow-leafed lupin varieties will be developed through a flexible breeding program with a broad genetic base equipped to

respond to the changing needs of growers and to new opportunities provided by market research and product development. While concentrating on breeding for major lupin producing environments in Western Australia the program will supply and evaluate

appropriate material in key environments in eastern Australia. Strong linkages will be maintained with pre-breeding, agronomy and end-use research in DAFWA, CLIMA and CSIRO.

New technologies and germplasm will be identified and sourced through research collaboration and commercial partnerships nationally and internationally.

Western Australia became the world leader in lupin production due to a highly coordinated breeding and agronomic research effort, linked to an innovative farming community. Weed

management, herbicide resistance, anthracnose and yield reliability are the biggest agronomic issues in WA. The frequency of lupins in the rotation has declined but the widening of the rotation has created some advantages for lupins. The severity of brown spot

and Pleiochaeta root rot has declined and diversified weed control options is helping combat herbicide resistance. One year of lupins in four seems much more sustainable and WA still

has the potential to produce in excess of 1.4 million tonnes in most seasons. Lupins continue to play an important role in on-farm livestock enterprises. Growers concerns can be

summarised by a need to increase the profitability of the lupin phase of the rotation. However, lupins will remain the dominant legume crop in WA because of their adaptation to large areas of sandplain soils.

Yield potential can still be increased as evidenced by recent cultivars (Mandelup , Coromup

and Jenabillup ) and advanced material in the existing program. The following characteristics have proved important for yield: early flowering; early vigour resulting in high biomass and good height at flowering; good mainstem pod set but an indeterminate

growth habit providing the capacity to fill pods on secondary and tertiary branches; and rapid pod fill and seed development. Lupin breeding has prioritised traits required by growers and

end-users and these form the following breeding priorities:

Spooky owl eyes chickpea!


Increasing grain yield is the overarching objective but yield potential must be considered in the context of cultivars requiring traits, which ensure grower adoption

and market acceptance. Resistances to anthracnose, grey spot and phomopsis are essential for most production

environments and are primary breeding objectives. Resistance to CMV seed transmission, brown spot, and Pleiochaeta root rot are

desirable but form a secondary breeding objective, which is to cull highly susceptible material.

Height to lowest pod (low rainfall environments), lodging resistance (high rainfall

environments) and reduced shattering are central. Good tolerance to triazines (simazine pre-emergent and metribuzin post-emergent) is

very important, particularly in the northern wheatbelt of WA and is a primary breeding objective.

Aphid resistance is readily achievable and highly desirable in most environments.

Maintaining the total alkaloid level below the widely accepted 0.02% level is mandatory for all new NLL varieties.

Total crude protein content will be maintained at current levels (>30%) however higher protein lines will be evaluated and released if they are superior in yield.

Two other breeding outcomes will be included or the effort increased in an endeavour to increase yields and maintain flexibility and genetic diversity. Firstly, early vigour to help

increase weed competition selection pressure, is desirable and germplasm has been identified and is being integrated into the breeding program. Secondly, research at CSIRO by Dr Jens Berger, has identified later flowering lines that are thermoneutral which may be introgressed

into the breeding program and allow lupins to reach a higher yield potential in longer season regions. This is especially applicable to south coastal WA, lower Eyre Peninsula, southeast SA

and the higher rainfall regions of NSW. Testing in the eastern States will become firmly under the control of the breeding program

over the next two years with a greater involvement in the evaluation of lupins in SA, Victoria and NSW.

The release of improved varieties of narrow-leafed lupin will increase the profitability for farmers through higher yields and reduced input costs and with increased suitability for

premium paying markets in the aqua culture and food industries, thus increasing profits throughout the value chain.


Field peas

Mr Tony Leonforte

Breeding update

Field nurseries for yield evaluation have been established at 20 locations

across the main field pea growing zone. Sowing in 2009 has followed

good autumn and winter rainfall in most regions and generally plot establishment and early plant growth

have been excellent. Many of the early sown nurseries (i.e. Mallee

regions) already had over 12 nodes of plant growth by mid July. Downy mildew and blackspot have been

present early in some regions, but are still at low levels.

Field nurseries for disease screening have been established for blackspot

(Medina), bacterial blight (Wagga) and bean leaf roll virus (Breeza). Glasshouse programs to screen for disease resistance to pea seed borne mosaic virus (Tamworth) and downy mildew

(SARDI) and plant tolerance to soil boron toxicity and soil salinity (Horsham) are currently in progress. Grain quality testing of breeding lines in field evaluation will be undertaken over the next 4 months at Horsham to ensure any potential variety releases meet required market

standards. The main crossing program will commence at Horsham in August and primarily focuses on pyramiding superior genetic variation into high yielding backgrounds such as the

variety Kaspa.

Pipeline update

The first lines released from the PBA field pea pipeline will become available to growers, via pipeline partner AWB Seeds, over the next two years and will improve the adaptation range

and reliability of the “Kaspa plant ideotype” further into the low rainfall cropping zone (OZP0601, OZP0602). New varieties with higher bacterial blight resistance are also being

fast tracked through the pipeline to provide growers with more reliable options in bacterial blight prone areas (i.e. OZP0703). Potential variety releases include new superior lines that combine high disease resistance to downy and powdery mildew, bean leaf roll virus, pea seed

borne mosaic virus and high tolerance to soil boron toxicity in similar plant types to the variety Kaspa . Improved “Parafield type” and niche grain types (e.g. white and blue peas)

and new pea forage types are also being considered for potential release.

New triple podding Kaspa type germplasm currently at advanced levels of testing. Within the field pea program parents are being developed with increased capacity for

multiple podding at each reproductive node.


Germplasm enhancement

Dr Ahmad Maqbool In March this year the annual meeting of the PBA Pulse Germplasm Enhancement Program

(PGE) was held in conjunction with PBA breeding programs, in Adelaide. Progress of different traits in PGE were discussed in particular, developing different screening methods under

control conditions, scoring systems for the targeted traits, data collection and analysis, identifying genetic variation in the targeted traits and in some instances initiation of

developing mapping populations. The PGE Team at SARDI were also very involved in organising the PBA scientific forum where

three prominent speakers were invited to provide overviews of the pulse research being conducted in areas of interst to PBA. Dr Janine Croser gave an interesting presentation on

the development of protocols for developing doubled haploids in chickpeas and the future challenges for double haploids in pulses( see article this newsletter), Dr Bevan Buirchell provided an over view on the practical use of molecular markers in a breeding program with

the emphasis on lupins improvement (see article this newsletter) and Jenny Davidson presented on how pathology programs can enhance PBA and future plans in pathology

research (article to be include in next PBA newsletter). The PBA scientific forum was well attended by the PBA groups, other researchers and industry.

The season started well this year and PGE is conducting various field based screening and validation trials of targeted traits in different areas of SA and Vic. Frost tolerance work in

chickpea, lentil and field pea trail is progressing well at Mintaro SA, a pod drop tolerance in lentil trial is being conducted at Ardrossan SA, heat stress tolerance in faba bean and field pea trials have been planted at Balaklava SA, and an ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea

trial is being conducted at Horsham Vic.

The pulse germplasm enhancement research is progressing actively and enhanced germplasm is being funnelled to the breeders in particular frost tolerant selections, heat stress tolerant selections and pod drop tolerant selections have been sent this year for inclusion in crosses.

Program Leader Contacts

Lentils

Dr Michael Materne

DPI Victoria

03 5362 2312

[email protected]

Field peas

Mr Tony Leonforte

DPI Victoria

03 5362 2155

[email protected]

Chickpeas

Mr Ted Knights

NSW DPI

02 6763 1179

[email protected]

Faba Beans

Dr Jeff Paull

University of Adelaide

08 8303 6564

[email protected]

Lupins

Dr Bevan Buirchell

DAFWA

08 9368 3653

[email protected]

Germplasm Enhancement Program

Dr Maqbool Ahmad

SARDI

08 8303 9483

[email protected]

Documents

Winter 2009 News - GRDC · Winter 2009 News Contact: Fleur Winter, PBA Coordinator, [email protected], ph: 0417 926 033 ... Congratulations to the PBA chickpea, lentil and faba