Pulses

Varieties Root systems Molecular studies

[Comment: These three topics were links.

Overview of pulse production

For the latest production figures go to ABARE: https://www.abareconomics.com/

Over the past 25 years grain legumes have emerged from virtual obscurity to become an important part of the Australian grains industry with an annual production of about 2 million tonnes and a gross value of production of about $600 million at their peak in 1999. Above this, grain legumes are estimated to contribute an additional $600 million per annum in value to the cereal industries through their roles in nitrogen fixation and disease control.

WA Grain Legume production ('000 tonnes)

Currently the gross value of production of grain legumes in Western Australia is approximately $190 million per annum of which over 80% is attributable to narrow-leafed lupin and the remainder to other legume crops.

Production of all agricultural crops peaked in 1999 and grain legume production and value has been lower since due to adverse seasonal conditions and emerging diseases. The potential contribution of grain legume crops, however, is substantially greater provided that the problems of disease and poor adaptation can be overcome. Based on analysis of soil types and farming systems the maximum area for production of pulses has been estimated to be 2.3 million ha - nearly tripple the current area.

Peak and potential area of grain legume production in Western Australia