PBA Samira plants are vigorous, with good stem strength. The medium sized seed, similar to Fiesta VF and Farah, is suited to the Middle East markets.
Isolate new faba bean genetics
by Mary Raynes, Industry development manager (southern)
The best way to protect the excellent ascochyta blight resistance of the new faba bean variety, PBA Samira, is to ensure there is a 200 m buffer between faba bean crops.
PBA Samira has the highest-ever level of ascochyta blight resistance, including for the new strain recently identified in the mid-north of South Australia and Victoria’s western Wimmera, and improved chocolate spot and rust resistance compared to Fiesta VF and Farah.
To protect the genetic integrity of this new variety it is essential that growers do what they can to minimise cross-pollination with older, more susceptible varieties. The best way to achieve this is to maintain a distance of at least 200 m between blocks planted to PBA Samira and any other faba bean variety.
All faba bean varieties cross-pollinate, which increases the risk of disease resistance breaking down. Another aspect to the risk of cross-pollination is the production of mixed seed types that are difficult to market.
PBA Samira is the highest yielding faba bean available for the southern region with wide adaptation and is very responsive to high yielding situations.
Other considerations when selecting faba bean paddocks include:
- not sowing faba bean adjacent to faba bean stubble, a distance of 200 m is considered a sufficient buffer, particularly on the downwind side,
- leaving a break of at least 4 years between faba bean crops in the one paddock,
- avoiding planting adjacent to lentil and vetch crops or stubble because these crops can harbour the fungal pathogen Botrytis fabae, the primary cause of chocolate spot disease in faba bean.
- ensuring the maximum plant-back periods for sulfonylurea and clopyralid herbicides are adhered to, as herbicide residues may cause significant crop damage and weaken the plant’s resistance to disease. PBA Samira plants are vigorous, with good stem strength. The medium sized seed, similar to Fiesta VF and Farah, is suited to the Middle East markets.
An End Point Royalty (EPR) of $3.85 per tonne (GST inclusive) applies, which includes breeder royalties, upon delivery of this variety. Seed is available from the commercial partner, Seednet.
For more information please check the Pulse Australia website: www.pulseaus.com.au