Kabuli varieties
Kabuli chickpeas are creamy-white and much larger than desi chickpeas. Kabuli chickpeas are usually sold whole, so seed size and appearance are critically important. Ideally, Kabuli chickpeas should be more than 8 mm in diameter (40 g/100 seeds). They flower at a similar time to the Desi types, but do have a significantly longer grain filling period. This renders them more susceptible to both moisture stress and insect damage. They are more attractive to helicoverpa than the Desi types.
The Kabulis have very thin seed coats. They lack the phenolic compounds present in Desi chickpeas, which helps reduce fungal/mould attack in the soil. Hence, Kabulis are extremely susceptible to a range of seed rotting fungi and should always be treated with a fungicidal seed dressing before planting. All Kabuli types are extremely susceptible to Phytophthora.
Planting seed should be handled with extreme care to avoid any mechanical damage to the seed coat during harvest, storage and inoculation. Hairline cracks in the seed coat allow the entry of seed rotting fungi, such as pythium. The fungi are a major cause of seed rots and poor establishment of Kabuli chickpeas. Kabuli can bridge over the outlets of standard airseeders and combines, which further adds to the problem of patchy, uneven stands. This problem can be minimised by filling the planter box only halfway or by fitting agitators.
Yields are generally lower (15-30 per cent) and more erratic than Desi varieties, though this can be offset by premiums for larger chickpeas in the 8, 9 and 10 mm size ranges.
As a general rule, Kabuli production should be attempted only by experienced chickpea growers. Crop marketing and insect control strategies should be discussed with your seed shed and agronomist well before planting.
Bumper*
This was released by NSW I&I in 1997 and has large creamy-white seeds consistently in the 9 mm range. This veriety is protected under the PBR. Seed is available through various retain outlets.
Garnet
This variety was released in 1987 by NSW I&I. Garnet produces mainly 8 and 9 mm diameter seed in approximately equal proportions.
Kaniva
This variety was released in 1988 by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. While yields have generally been slightly lower than for Garnet, some buyers still prefer this variety. Growers are advised to organise contracts before planting.
Kimberley Large
The Kimberley Large was released in 2004 by DAWA/Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture and intended as a replacement for Macarena in the premium culinary market for very large sized Kabulis. DEEDI-irrigated trials in Central Queensland have shown equivalent yield and agronomic performance, as well as similar seed sizes, for both Kimberley Large and Macarena.
Macarena
This is a very large seeded variety suited to the premium culinary market. This variety was released by DAWA in 1984 but is still widely grown under irrigated producers. It is extremely frost-sensitive and should be grown only in frost-free environments in northern and Central Queensland. Sound insect management is crucial because compensatory potential is very limited. It is very prone to sprouting and weather damage if wet conditions occur around harvest. Weather-damaged beans are very difficult to market. Yields of 2-3 t/ha are readily achievable with well managed irrigated crops.
*subject to Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) and protected under the Plant Breeders Rights Act 1994. Unauthorised sale of seed of these varieties is an infringement under the Act.
