Garbanzos Moving Toward Higher Performance
California growers could soon see new momentum in garbanzo production, as UC researchers advance breeding work aimed at boosting both yield and resilience. The update comes from the University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which recently featured the work during the UC Dry Bean Field Day at UC Davis.
Michelle Leinfelder-Miles with UC ANR says the goal is to develop varieties that offer practical gains for growers. At the field day, scientists showed advanced breeding lines that are already charting improvements in seed size and pounds per acre. These lines are still identified mostly by number, but early indicators have researchers optimistic.
Program lead Christine Diepenbrock says one priority is developing “plants that will emerge uniformly early in the season and grow vigorously to compete against weeds.” Teams are also working to pull forward traits linked to drought tolerance and disease resistance, while field plots throughout the Central Valley help define where new lines fit best.
Kabuli types, known for their large, thin-skinned seeds, continue to draw interest for both quality and consumer demand.
If you would like to try new garbanzo material on your own operation, you can contact your local UC Cooperative Extension office.
