Independent Variety Trials

The variety trials are comparative crop variety testing with standardised trial management, data generation and collection to provide meaningful results for growers.
Irrigation provides a unique environment that allows high yields to be targeted. However most varieties are developed and tested under dryland conditions.

In order to perform under irrigated conditions, a variety should the following characteristics:

• High yield potential
• Maturity that matches sowing date and the optimal grain filling period (avoiding frost at flowering but also avoiding high temperatures during grain filling)
• High tolerance to crop lodging
• Waterlogging tolerance
• Good disease tolerance/rating, although a disease management plan can address some shortfalls

The decision was made to separate the early maturing (or early season) varieties from the main trial, and to sow them at a more appropriate time that suited their maturity.