After years of development and waiting for seed to be bulked up, two exciting new faba bean varieties will finally be available for growers in 2027. Introducing FBA Coorong and FBA Barmah from Seednet – the next generation replacements for Samira, Amberley and Bendoc.
FBA Coorong (AF14092)
The high-yielding replacement for Samira and Amberley
FBA Coorong has demonstrated a 7–8% yield advantage over Samira in trial work, making it an exciting option for growers looking to maximise productivity.
This variety offers early flowering and mid-season maturity, flowering approximately 1–2 weeks earlier than Samira. Earlier pod and seed set provides an advantage in shorter or drier seasons, while favourable seasons allow Coorong to capitalise on available moisture and finish with larger, heavier seed.
Key features include:
- 7–8% yield improvement over Samira
- Early flowering and mid-maturity
- Medium to large seed size, averaging 83g/100 seeds
- Seed size can exceed 90g/100 seeds in favourable seasons
- Improved lodging tolerance compared to Samira
- Maintains a similar necking tolerance to Samira
- Early results showing MR rating for Ascochyta Blight (same as Samira)
- Improved Chocolate Spot resistance, rated MRMS compared to Samira’s MS
FBA Barmah (AF15283)
The next-generation Imidazolinone-tolerant replacement for Bendoc
FBA Barmah combines herbicide tolerance with improved yield potential, delivering approximately 10% higher yields than Bendoc and performing within 1% of Samira in trials.
Barmah is a mid-flowering, early to mid-maturity variety, flowering approximately 1–2 weeks earlier than both Bendoc and Samira. It produces a medium-sized grain averaging 75g/100 seeds.
Key features include:
- 10% yield advantage over Bendoc
- Imidazolinone-tolerant (IMI-tolerant)
- Mid-flowering and early-mid maturity
- Medium seed size, averaging 75g/100 seeds
- Improved lodging tolerance compared to Bendoc and Samira
- Improved necking tolerance compared to Bendoc and Samira
- Early results showing MR rating for Ascochyta Blight and MS rating for Chocolate Spot, again, same as Samira’s but slight improvement over Bendoc.
Secure Your 2027 Seed Requirements
Interest in both FBA Coorong and FBA Barmah is already strong, with orders now being taken for the 2027 season.
If either of these new faba bean varieties could suit your farming program, get in touch with Sam to discuss performance, suitability and seed availability.
