Asian exports to increase with new Aussie soybean

Developed by CSIRO Plant Industry's Dr Andrew James, Snowy (name pending approval with Plant Breeder's Rights) combines good tofu making qualities with good agronomic traits - one of the first soybeans to do so.

After Snowy achieved positive results for desirable tofu making properties in Japan it is now hoped the variety will lead Australia's high quality soybean exports to a range of Asian countries as well as supply lucrative local tofu making markets in Sydney and Melbourne.

Snowy can help growers aim for the higher end of the soybean market to receive up to a $200 a tonne premium on soybeans sold for tofu.

Trials of Snowy have been conducted in the Riverina by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and in northern Victoria by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries since 1998, where it has had similar yields to the current highest yielding variety.

Snowy has been screened for Phytophthora resistance, and it has proven to have the best available resistance of existing soybeans.

Seed from Snowy is being increased this season and will be commercially available to growers for planting in late 2005.

This research is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

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