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”.