Oats

Koala Oat is a high yielding grain oat variety with mid-late maturity and medium-tall plant type.    As a late maturing variety Koala performs best in the medium to high rainfall zones and it is described as a tall dwarf variety, similar in height at maturity as Bannister, so it could alternatively be considered for hay production if seasonal conditions were conducive.  Bred by crossing the highly successful milling oat variety Bannister with a breeding line derived from Mitika, Possum and Potoroo, Koala was promoted through the SARDI breeding program based on its grain yield, grain quality and disease resistance.  In terms of disease profile, Koala has resistance to cereal cyst nematode and is less susceptible than Bannister to stem rust MR-MS, Crown Rust MR, bacterial blight S, barley yellow dwarf virus MS - S and Septoria blight MS-S.  Bred for milling use and has entered in milling evaluation program.