New Australian Mung Bean Variety:- Jade - AU

Mung beans were once a reasonably profitable crop in the NT in the 1970s and 1980s.  But growers used older and less than suitable fairly traditional varieties, and eventually the variety King was developed by the NT Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries as one variety better suited to the NT conditions.  It grew reasonably well, with better yields.

It was also used in Queensland and further variety development was also done there.  Over the past 20 years or so, there have been a few varieties released, but then industry still remains relatively small and fragmented, and varieties are still less than ideal for many conditions. 

But work has been done to try and develop a better variety with some disease resistance, and that larger bean size, of greater interest to users.

near mature mung bean crop [ not Jade-AU].
 

From the work, a new mungbean variety bred by Queensland’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will be planted commercially this year after its official launch recently at the Australian Summer Grains Conference on the Gold Coast.

The new variety, Jade-AU, will be available in limited quantities for planting this spring season. Full details of the variety which has PBR accreditation, is on the PBR website.

Queensland Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said the new mungbean variety was the result of research investment led by DAFF and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). “It is expected to give growers long-term benefits in production and profitability.

In fact, an independent economic analysis has shown that this collaborative breeding project is delivering an 18:1 return on investment,” Mr McVeigh said in a statement.  “Jade-AU is a large green shiny mungbean that fits Australia’s main export market.  “It is expected to deliver up to $100 extra per hectare for growers compared to the current variety Crystal.   “This is due to an average 12 per cent higher grain yield and its better tolerance of leaf diseases such as powdery mildew. “Jade-AU has proven performance across the existing mungbean growing regions from central Queensland to northern New South Wales.

While Jade -AU has had limited testing, it does seem suitable for production in the Burdekin Irrigation Area. Further evaluation in the Burdekin is planned for next season. 

Maybe it is worth testing even further north in the NT. 

Jade-AU is co-owned by DAFF and GRDC and protected by Plant Breeders Rights.

The Australian Mungbean Association is the exclusive agent for its commercialisation, seed increase, and distribution to growers.

 

[in part from a press release by  Qld DAFF]