AgriVentis Technologies is an agricultural seed technology and development company, and the release of their promising Green Dragon and Green Taipan mung bean varieties will be the first of their material to be commercially available in Australia.
For many years, mung beans have played a major part in the northern farming system as the opportunity crop for summer planting for growers, says AgriVentis Technologies technical operations manager Andrew McDonald.
“Mung beans as a ‘break crop’, ‘transition crop’ (winter rotation to summer rotation) and as a ‘cash crop’ are some of the reasons growers grow mung beans,” he said.
“With the start to summer being cool and damp and stored moisture and water storages full to capacity, a mung bean crop is looking to be the ‘right now’ crop for many growers.”
Mr McDonald said adding to this positive news is the excitement surrounding the release of two new varieties.
“AgriVentis Technologies has invested an enormous amount of time and money developing Green Dragon and Green Taipan and has been extremely impressed with the adaptability of both varieties to the Australian conditions.
“AgriVentis has been a strong supporter of Central Queensland University where the trials and screening has been performed over many years, and which has proved to be the right environment for selection of varieties for the Australian climate.
“While in the seed expansion phase, the varieties performed well in even the harshest of finishes in both spring and summer,” he said.
“Both varieties produce large, green, shiny seed of uniform size and are appealing to all markets, including sprouting. Both varieties display good pod height and because of this upright growth, we have found some upside to yield by increasing the population.”
Mr McDonald said the noted difference between the two varieties is their performance in contrasting seasons. “Green Taipan does well in a tough finish (hence the catch phrase ‘Tough as Taipan’), whereas Green Dragon yields best under a full profile of soil moisture or full irrigation. Growers will pick a favourite over time.
“We have had only positive news from all the growers that have assisted us in the bulk-up phase of seed production of both Green Dragon and Green Taipan.
“We are looking forward to seeing our varieties performing well across all the growing regions.”
Green Dragon and Green Taipan seed is available through local retailers for 2022 plantings. Both varieties are protected by Plant Breeder Rights (PBR) and have an End Point Royalty.
