Grower guides for a new drought and heat tolerant oilseed for the low rainfall zones of the Australian cropping belt, Brassica juncea or Indian mustard, have been released by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

The Primefacts cover the key areas of management for successful Brassica juncea crops in the State’s south-west and north-west.

A close relative of canola, Brassica juncea will deliver the same rotation benefits as canola with additional advantages such as the heat and drought tolerance, and also better shatter tolerance, according to NSW DPI pulse and oilseed technical specialist, Don McCaffery.

"There are three types of Brassica juncea - juncea canola, condiment mustard, and industrial mustard - all of which have strong market potential," Mr McCaffery said.

"The type that appears to perform well in the south-west NSW environment is juncea canola which is primarily grown for edible oil which can be used in place of canola. Indications are that up to 4,000 hectares could be grown this season.

"Condiment mustard, which is more suited to the north-west region’s grey clay soils, produces the hot spice we use to enhance meats and vegetables and its oil has a distinctive ‘nutty’ flavour.

"On the other hand, industrial mustard is a Brassica juncea type which may not be suited to any of edible markets because it has high levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates. For that reason it is likely to have a range of industrial uses, including biodiesel."

Mr McCaffery said seed availability this season of the condiment mustard type will be restricted to supply a small domestic market and seed increase of a new variety for commercial scale production in 2009.

The two Primefacts cover a range of issues, including advantages and limitations, production regions, time of sowing, crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, harvest management, and marketing options.

NSW DPI plans to undertake a number of agronomy trials over the next three years so that growing recommendations are improved for future years.

Brassica juncea Primefacts can be downloaded from the internet at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/field/field-crops/oilseeds.  

People without internet access can obtain a copy by contacting their nearest NSW DPI office.

Further information on Brassica juncea can be obtained from Don McCaffery at NSW DPI in Orange on (02) 6391 3648 or 0427 008 469.

Media contact: Annette Cross, NSW DPI Tamworth, 6763 1243 or 0427 201 840