Breeding trials of a new soybean variety and onfarm trials under commercial conditions have identified significant advantages on existing varieties grown in southern NSW.

Commercial stripe trials of LO23B-23 were grown in the 2010-11 season to obtain commercial grower evaluations and comparisons to existing varieties.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) pulses and oilseeds research agronomist, Luke Gaynor, conducted the trials under the Grains Research and Development Corporation funded National Soybean Breeding
Project.

“Long term data from breeding trials indicates that the new variety is in the order of 9 to 10 per cent higher yielding over the benchmark Djakal,” he said.

“LO23B-23 yielded 10pc higher than the 4 tonne per hectare crop of Djakal in the same paddock on an irrigation farm at Coleambally.

“It also rated quicker in maturity, with higher seed protein than Djakal and Snowy.

“Whilst its seed size was not as large, it is still acceptable to the human consumption market.

“Yields from LO23B-23 have been consistently well above Snowy, Bowyer and Curringa throughout all trials.

“Feedback from leading industry processors indicates it has already gained market acceptance for the human consumption market.”

Mr Gaynor said LO23B-23 performs well in early plantings and yields remain high with mid-December plantings.

“High grain yields are achieved with the crop finishing well before overnight temperatures begin to drop,” Mr Gaynor said.

“It also reduces total crop water usage and the number of irrigations the crop needs.

“Another advantage of LO23B- 23 is its greater lodging resistance than all current released soybean varieties for the southern region.

“This is an advantage in irrigated environments as it allows aeration of the crop, which reduces disease risks, allows quicker plant dry-down at harvest and increases harvest efficiency and speed, without pods lost in bed furrows.”

Large scale seed production of LO23B-23 will be conducted this summer, with the variety expected to be launched in early 2012.

Contact Luke Gaynor (02) 6938 1657, luke.gaynor@industry.nsw.gov.au