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LONGREACH Plant Breeders’ new wheat variety Soaker is opening up opportunities for local farmers.

Soaker, derived from Scepter, has one imidazolinone tolerance gene and is a new approach to IMI systems management in the wheat phase with APW quality.

It can also shield the crop from IMI residual after crops such as lentils, beans and canola, LongReach’s Colin Edmondson said.

Soaker was bred by Grains Innovation Australia and developed by LongReach, which has widely tested Soaker since 2019.

“Our long-term trials have shown that Soaker has a slightly higher yield than Scepter with similar mid maturity, disease and growth habit,” he said.

“The other exciting thing about Soaker is it is available to be farmer-to-farmer traded. 

“This will allow ease of access in seasons with higher IMI carryover risk from the previous year.”

AG Schilling & Co, Cunliffe, is the exclusive distributor of Soaker locally.

“Being able to trade across the fence is a real bonus,” managing partner Mark Schilling said.

“Soaker will be in high demand with lentil growers since it is yielding higher than Scepter and is a one IMI tolerance gene wheat.”

Soaker should be strategically targeted as the rotation product to reduce the risk of IMI residues in the wheat phase with its high yield and added security of one IMI gene, he said. 

With the rapid expansion of lentils in particular, a residual specialist will help preserve IMI chemistry for the pulse phase while protecting wheat yield, he said.

For 2024 seed availability, call 8825 7224 or visit www.agschilling.com.au.