Research Objective
Weed control was not a limiting factor for fenugreek or lupin, although peas and lentils generally had the best weed control. Fenugreek was quite competitive against weeds as long as emergence was adequate, and it also has good herbicide weed-control options. There was herbicide injury to the white lupins from an in-crop metribuzin application, but it was not thought to have caused any yield loss.
An early application of insecticide was required in this study. Blister beetle, which is a preferential feeder on lupins, and grasshopper pressure were high, and an insecticide application was required.
Yield comparisons between the four crop types varied by location and seeding rate. Yellow peas out-yielded all other crop types at the locations where it was grown. Lupin and fenugreek yielded similarly to lentils at two of the four locations where lentils were grown.
Plant establishment of the novel pulse crops varied significantly by location. For white lupin, plant establishment ranged from 53% to 100%; for blue lupin, from less than 50% to 100%; and for fenugreek, from 39% to 90%.