HFA Crop Update: Wongarra Seed Increase Plot
Yesterday, we visited our ‘Wongarra’ seed increase plot, 18 days after our last observation. Industry agronomists John Muir and Rob Eccles joined us, along with a dedicated team from ProdOz International Pty Ltd. This varietal’s progress is remarkable, confirming its status as a versatile and high-performing fiber and biomass choice for our customers and supply chains.
Since our last visit on 18 December (1st Image), Wongarra has shown vigorous growth in height and overall biomass. Given the sowing configuration for this seed increase plot (wide row spacing targeting optimal seed production), we observed strong phenotype structures optimized for seed yield per plant—traits that differ from its typical performance under commercial fibre production conditions (narrow row spacing, higher sowing rates).
Wongarra Fibre Plus – 18 December 2024
Key Performance Metrics:
Growth Over 18 Days: An impressive 130cm (51 inches) average plant height.
Seed Establishment Rate: Topped out at 95% (0.850kg sown over 1 hectare).
Wongarra Fibre Plus – January 6th 2025
Notably, this varietal was planted within 20 days of its flowering trigger, as is standard for seed increase. If sown earlier (up to 60 days pre-flowering) for fibre and biomass production, we’d expect plants 2.5-3x taller and with significantly greater biomass. This adaptability highlights its high-yield potential and versatility for diverse applications across our partner supply chains.
Further updates will be shared as this crop progresses, stay tuned.