Insect control
Establishment pests such as redlegged earth mite and lucerne flea should be monitored and controlled as necessary. Amira is tolerant to aphids in WA conditions, but it will be affected by native budworm (Helicoverpa sp.). Native budworm is potentially the most serious seed insect pest of Amira. Monitor for native budworm during podding. Spray thresholds have not yet been developed for Amira, but as a rule of thumb spray insecticide if there is more than one budworm per 10 sweeps. The timing of insecticide sprays is critical for protecting yield. Do not wait for the caterpillars to grow.
Harvest
Commence harvest when the pods turn yellow and the seed moisture is about 14%. Do not delay harvest even though pods are unlikely to shatter or shed. This will ensure seeds remain undamaged and are of high quality.
Use wide wire concaves or remove alternate wires of a cereal concave because the seeds are large. Start with the closest concave clearance and the slowest drum speed. Increase concave clearance if seed is being cracked. Increase drum speed if seed is left in the pods. Remember also to handle seed carefully after harvest to avoid damage.
Suggested harvester settings:
- Reel speed: 1.0 x ground speed
- Table auger: 10-20 millimetres (mm)
- Drum or rotor speed: 300-500 rpm
- Concave clearance: 15-20mm (start at 15mm)
- Fan speed: 75-100% (start at 100%)
- Top sieve: 25-32mm (start at 32mm)
- Bottom sieve: 12-16mm (start at 16mm).
Seed quality
Amira has large white seed similar to Kiev Mutant and will be accepted in human consumption markets. Its seed alkaloid content is lower than Andromeda and protein content is similar to Kiev Mutant and Andromeda.
| Variety | Seed weight (g/100 seeds) |
|---|---|
| Amira | 31.9 |
| Andromeda | 31.1 |
| Kiev Mutant | 33.6 |
Seed availability
Amira is commercialised through Heritage Seeds.