MUNGBEANS — A PROFITABLE SUMMER ALTERNATIVE
is taken into the harvester on rubber alligator belts with no shattering of the pods in front of the header. Rod was pleased to harvest about 1.2 t/ha from the OnyxAU half of the paddock, a huge 70 per cent better yield compared to the 0.7 t/ha from the Regur section. This was a combined effect of a higher yielding variety and the improved tan spot reaction of Onyx-AU. Rod has previously achieved black gram yields up to 1.8 t/ha in a good year. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries senior research scientist, Col Douglas said black gram varieties have more flowering sites than green mungbean varieties and they set pods from very low on the plant to the top. This means the crops require very thorough scouting, right to the base of the plants, to protect pods, flowers and buds from insect damage, all at the same time. “Compared to green mungbean, black gram requires more intense management to meet the requirements of a premium, niche market,” he said. “Onyx-AU has delivered increased resilience and productivity for experienced black gram growers like the Fergusons.” “In recent years we have uncovered, and are now exploiting, new sources of bacterial resistance available in black gram germplasm.” Australian Mungbean Association president Mark Schmidt said growers interested in growing black gram should consult with their marketer first regarding price. “We usually expect black gram to attract a $50–100/t premium over the green mungbean price, but yields are often lower,” he said. “It is critical that black gram grain is completely free of green mungbean grain on delivery. Black gram is a niche market that suits some growers very well, but it is not for everyone.” More information: