Queensland’s mungbean industry is set for a major boost with the launch of two new high-yield varieties – Brolga and Kookaburra.
The varieties were developed through the National Mungbean Improvement Program (NMIP), a co-investment between the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), and were developed to provide growers with improved grain quality and disease resistance.
The varieties were officially launched today at the Hermitage Research Facility in Warwick, with co-funders DPI and GRDC and commercial partner Australian Mungbean Association (AMA).
The launch highlighted DPI’s scientific contributions to the industry and brought growers and stakeholders into the field to inspect and compare the new lines against existing varieties.
The joint $8.3 million GRDC-DPI National Mungbean Improvement Program has been running since 2022 and is a modern and efficient breeding initiative focused on developing varieties that will support consistent production, underpinning enduring profitability for growers.
Mungbean is a vital export crop for Queensland, with the industry generating over $113 million in export revenue in 2023/24.
The introduction of these superior varieties is expected to further cement Queensland’s position as the leading supplier of premium mungbean to international markets.
DPI principal plant breeder Dr Merrill Ryan said the new varieties will help Australia meet its production target of 100,000 tonnes per year.
With higher yields, larger seed size, and resistance to halo blight, tan spot, and powdery mildew, Brolga and Kookaburra will deliver immediate and lasting benefits to growers, processors, and exporters. These new lines will enhance the stability of supply, ensuring Queensland continues to meet the growing global demand for high-quality pulses.
Seed for these new varieties will be available for growers to purchase later this year for the summer 2026 growing season.
Australian Mungbean Association President James Hunt said Brolga and Kookaburra have the potential to improve grower returns while also enhancing Australia’s strong reputation as a premium supplier of high-quality, large seeded, green shiny mungbeans into high-value international markets.
“The AMA is pleased to be the commercialising partner and looks forward to making these varieties available to growers in the 2025/2026 season through our member network.”
GRDC Genetic Technologies Officer Dr Temitope Jekayinoluwa said the National Mungbean Improvement Program is opening up new avenues for growers to boost their productivity and profitability.
“This is the fifth iteration of the NMIP, building on the achievements of previous investments in this field,” Dr Jekayinoluwa said.
The initiative aims to develop and release varieties that have shown superior performance in regional yield trials and disease nurseries across the Northern Grains Region.
“It targets higher yields, consistency, adaptability, and disease resistance, while also ensuring grain quality that meets premium international market standards.
"This latest launch is a prime example of the significant advancements this project continues to make for the industry."