South Australia
October 29, 2010
South Australian lentil growers are reminded that a timely harvest of this year’s crop is critical.
SA Research and Development Institute pulse scientist Larn McMurray, whose work with Pulse Breeding Australia is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), says lentils should be harvested as early as possible to maximise quality and to minimise yield loss from pod drop.
To avoid rain or wind events damaging mature crops, Mr McMurray says growers should always be prepared for harvest and aware of weather forecasts.
“Even though some newer varieties of lentils have erect plant types with good levels of resistance to pod drop and shattering, a timely harvest is still recommended to reduce yield loss and maximise quality,” Mr McMurray says.
Growers are also advised to be careful with the timing of ‘crop-topping’ applications due to the more favourable growing season this year.
It is likely that, in comparison with previous years, lentils may mature later relative to the target weeds and crop topping lentils prematurely may increase the risk of immature (green cotyledons) in the harvested sample which can lead to grain rejection at delivery.
“We are reminding growers that the relative lentil and weed maturity can vary from year to year and that they need to be careful about checking crop maturity before the timing of herbicide application this year,” Mr McMurray says.
“They should also be aware of the impact of later maturing areas in the crop, such as wheel marks and wetter patches.”
Further lentil agronomy information is available on the PBA website via www.grdc.com.au/pba
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