Faba bean sowing date – Wagga Wagga 2016

Abstract

Key findings •• The optimum time to sow faba beans in southern NSW was late April–mid May. •• Even in a favourable season such as 2016 there was a 10% yield penalty when sowing was delayed from 17 May to 2 June. •• Average seed size reduced by 8% when sown outside the recommended window. •• PBA Nasma[PBR], Fiesta VF, and PBA Zahra[PBR] were the highest yielding commercial varieties. •• Advanced breeding lines AF10089 and AF09169 had significantly higher grain yields, particularly at the 28 April sowing date when compared to other sowing dates. •• Flowering duration for PBA Samira[PBR] and PBA Zahra[PBR] was stable across sowing dates, but reduced for PBA Nasma[PBR] as sowing was delayed.