Evaluating Garbanzo Beans as a Crop for central Oregon

                    
Garbonzo Beans                                                          Macarenaflower

Garbanzo
beans, or chickpeas, are a potential crop for central Oregon. COARC researchers are conducting
variety trials throughout central Oregon to determine the best varieties to be
grown in the area as well as experiments to determine the most cost effective
way of controlling ascochyta blight, a fungal disease capable of destroying the
crop. Yields of over 3500lb/ac (almost 4000kg/ha) have been achieved with high
value ‘kabuli-type’ lines, provided ascochyta blight can be contained with
fungicides. “This crop has excellent potential”, say Rex Barber, a grower near
Terrebonne. “It has the benefit of adding nitrogen to the soil and can be a
profitable rotation crop if managed correctly”.