The project aims to better understand the plant characteristics, including phenology and architecture, required to maximise biomass production for barley in grazed, grain and opportunistic grain and grazed scenarios across variable rainfall seasons. A diverse set of elite and novel varieties will be tested by different simulated grazing treatments across low, medium and high rainfall zones of South Australia.
Field research projects on the management of soilborne diseases and rhizobia are severely constrained by the limitations of current research seeders. The development of a specialised research seeder will enable SA researchers to undertake world leading research to develop innovative practices to manage soil biological constraints in broadacre crops. This project is for Stage 1 of a three-stage process to 1. review, 2. design and 3. build a state-of-art research seeder.
The project will support a Grains Pathology Trainee to be mentored by experienced staff from the grains pathology teams within SARDI Crop Sciences’ Plant Health and Diagnostics program. The mentoring will include laboratory and field pathology training provided by SARDI cereal and pulse pathologists, extension of information through written means, such as SARDI’s Crop Watch, participation in regional field days, and other industry support for grains pathology diagnostics.
This project aims to use a range of local pulses to make a range of attractive, delicious, nutritious and convenient pre-cooked food products that have wide appeal. This will include determining the appropriate processing steps for each grain type that would work in a commercial food manufacturing set-up to achieve acceptable grain texture and provide long shelf-life in can and/or pouch formats. The proof-of-concept products will be packaged in a variety of formats and tested with consumers, food manufacturers and food retailers.
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and will investigate if the pairing of faba bean and semi-leafless field pea will benefit both crops by increased seed and protein yield; reduced lodging, disease and harvestability issues; and improved yield and reduced N fertiliser cost of the following wheat crop. This system could increase faba bean representation in more marginal areas and increase yield in drier seasons as field pea is better adapted to drier conditions.