AWB Releases New Wheat Varieties

SYDNEY - Jul 8/04 - SNS -- Two new wheat varieties have been certified for use in Australia, one for northern cropping regions and one for southern areas, following a meeting of the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) National Pool Variety Classification Panel.

The two varieties - GBA Combat and GBA Ruby - were reviewed among a total of 33 wheat lines as part of AWB National Pool's rigorous classification system.

The Panel confirmed an Australian Hard (AH) classification for GBA Combat in New South Wales and Queensland. The variety displayed good grain size and milling performance at AH protein levels. Combined with strong dough characteristics, these characteristics produce flours for making the type of end products that customers have come to expect from this class of wheat. GBA Combat is commercialized by Pioneer Hi-Bred Australia.

GBA Ruby had previously only been evaluated for classification in Western Australia, (where it is classified as ASW), but data presented to the panel allowed them to finalize a classification for GBA Ruby in both southern New South Wales and South Australia. Based on some concerns about GBA Ruby's low water absorption and inextensible doughs (which affect loaf volumes), the Panel has given the variety a classification of ASW in both regions. GBA Ruby is commercialized by PlantTech.