Agronomy
Attention to detail is paramount in growing lupins; triticale or mixed high protein forages. If mismanaged yields can be disappointing
Crop Management and Disease Control
Management prior to sowing is an important factor in reducing disease risk in order to achieve optimum yields
To keep disease loss to a minimum:
- Seed bed preparation- paramount towards crop success
- Fertilizer applications dependant on soil analysis
- Overall crop success of Triticale/lupin is dependant on timing of harvest -a mature crop will provide more valuable animal nutrients
- When using a growth regulator apply at correct growth stage in wholecrop mixtures or triticale
Other Considerations:
- obtain seed that has high germination and is free of seed borne diseases
- avoid deep sowing - deeper than 50 mm will cause a delay in emergence and result in weak seedlings susceptible to disease
- sow anthracnose free seed
- apply rhizobium to lupin seed at planting- 1 sachet per 50kg seed
- monitor lupin crops closely for signs of the disease
- use of pre-emergent fungicide Lupins require 25kg/Ha of nitrogen during the first five weeks
- Avoid excessive levels of nitrogen in lupin crops