Its main attributes are increased pod size, better persistence in drier more marginal rainfall zones and improved resistance to aphids, compared to Cyprus and Harbinger.
PARABINGA flowers 88 days after seeding which is 8 days later than Caliph. It offers good forage production in low to medium alkaline soils. It produces very high levels of hardseed for longer term pasture regeneration. Like all Barrel medics, its shape is barrel like with pod hooks.
It has moderate resistance to blue-green aphid, low resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid and is susceptible to red-legged earth mite and lucerne flea.
Growing Conditions
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Soil Type
Barrel medic is adapted to a wide range of at least moderately fertile soils, from sandy loams to clays. It prefers neutral to alkaline soils (pH(water) > 6.5), not prone to waterlogging or salinity
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Sowing Rate
Mixes 3 - 5kg/ha
Pure 6 - 10kg/ha Dryland -
Rainfall
250mm+
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pH
6.0 - 8.5 (CaCl2)
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Inoculant
Group AM Rhizobium
Advantages
- Early maturing – 88 days to flower
- Very high levels of hard seed
- Moderate resistance to blue-green aphid
- Low resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid
- Suited to areas with as little as 250mm annual rainfall