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PROJECT NO. |
233 |
Project Title
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Adoption of best management practices in high input
peanut production systems |
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Project Leader
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Greg Mills |
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Organisation |
DPI |
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APSRU
Representative |
Graeme Wright |
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Funding
Body |
GRDC |
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Administration
Contact |
Vicki Battaglia DPI Ph: 07 4639 8886
Fax: 07 4639 8881 Email: vicki.battaglia@dpi.qld.gov.au |
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Commencement
Date |
1 July 2002 |
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Completion
Date |
30 June 2005 |
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Research
Proposal Summary |
Current commercial peanut yields under high input
irrigated systems in NQ, CQ and SQ are between a third and a half of the
genetic potential achieved in experimental and breeding plots. For example, intake figures from the
Peanut Company of Australia (PCA) indicate that commercial yields of between
2 to 5 t/ha are common for current commercial varieties despite the nominal
upward trend with demonstrated commercial yields of up to 7-8t/ha (eg
Streeton, NC-7, Florunner). Recent
intake figures point to an average irrigated peanut yield of well below
4t/ha. This represents significant
potential yield improvement for growers if the yield gap issues continue to
be identified and resolved as advocated in the current project work. Early evaluation of this work has helped
to elucidate barriers to change, including lack of awareness or confidence in
improved techniques and varying attitudes to risk management. Peanut growers perceive few profitable
choices when adopting alternative rotations to boost peanut yield. However,
it has been confirmed that experimental yields can exceed 7-8 t/ha. Recent
overseas data indicates greater than 11t/ha yield potential with the variety
TAG24. Trial work to date clearly indicates a number of factors have been
responsible for this 'yield gap’, especially poor irrigation and foliar and
soil-borne disease management, poor rotations and harvest losses. Other factors include poor plant stands as
well as ineffective weed control. This
project is a logical extension of previous peanut yield gap studies conducted
under the "Achieving genetic potential of existing peanut varieties in
high input production systems throughout Queensland - DAQ 468". This project has worked to establish the
foundations for sucessful high yielding irrigated peanut production over the
last 2.5 years. As this existing
research work draws to a close, strong sentiment has been expressed about the
need for the development work to continue and in particlular be extended and
adopted by peanut growers. Hence, the
basis of this project is to build on and extend the existing work conducted
by QDPI researchers and collaborators.
This will add value to past research involving collection and
collation of basic agronomic data, APSIM peanut benchmarking analysis and the
wider application of Whopper Cropper software among farmers and consultants. |
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Aims |
§ To achieve long term average
yields in excess of 5.5t/ha with improvements in peanut quality in all
irrigated production areas § To foster an industry network
involving growers, researchers, extension and industry consultants to solve
production constraints § To develop and extend decision
support tools (APSIM Peanut/Whopper Cropper) that enhance monitoring,
benchmarking and risk management |
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Potential
Outcomes |
Peanut Company of Australia in consultation with DPI
scientists, estimate that by realising the genetic potential of existing
varieties (ie raising pod yield from 2.6 to 7 t/ha over 13,000 ha), the
benefit to growers and industry would be in the order of $38M |
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Milestones |
§ 30/6/05 - A strong and expanding
production base for consistent, low-risk, irrigated peanut production
involving a network of growers, consultants and processors. § 30/4/05 - Increased irrigated
peanut yields with an industry average in excess of 5.5t/ha with industry
capacity to go well beyond this yield level. §
30/6/03
- An enhanced knowledge base for growers and consultants in order to achieve
a more profitable and sustainable irrigated peanut industry |
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Budget |
GRDC Budget 2002/03 2003/04 2004/5 Total Salaries $67
754 $70
464 $73
283 $211
501 Travel $8
000 $8
320 $8
650 $24
970 Operating $38
100 $37
000 $44
480 $119
580 Capital $9
000 $500 $0 $9
500 Total GRDC $ for project
duration $122 854 $116 284 $126 413 $365 551 |
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Staff % /
year Greg Mills 20 N R Rachauti 10 Graeme Wright 10 Graham Harris 10 Darren Springer 10 Sarah Hood 10 Mike Hughes 10 To be appointed 10 To be appointed 10 Peter Hatfield 5 John Kelleher 5 Pat Harden 10 Grant Baker 10 &
Contributions |
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Prior Provision of IP & Rights of
Ownership
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Ownership, equity in and use of IP to be
developed |
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Rights of Publication |
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Strategic Plan KRA Area |
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Relevance to Strategic Plan |
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