In recognition of the strong legacy established by Chickpea Breeding Australia, AGT has chosen to continue the tradition of naming chickpea varieties after cricketing terms, with AGT-Opener Imi - a desi chickpea variety - AGT’s opening chickpea release.

In May 2026, AGT assumed leadership for chickpea breeding nationally from Chickpea Breeding Australia, a long-standing collaboration between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

GRDC selected AGT to lead chickpea breeding following a rigorous and competitive process. This ensured ongoing investment in genetic improvement and innovation for one of Australia's most important pulse crops with the program building on chickpea germplasm developed over the past 50 years by NSW DPIRD. Based at AGT's Northern Crop Breeding Centre in Narrabri, the chickpea breeding program is focused on maintaining momentum through the transition while accelerating the delivery of improved commercial varieties that provide tangible value for growers.

AGT Pulse Coordinator Dr Adam Norman said the release of AGT-Opener Imi represented an exciting new chapter for chickpea breeding in Australia.

"Taking on responsibility for the national chickpea breeding program is a privilege and a significant responsibility," Dr Norman said.

"AGT-Opener Imi is the first variety to emerge from this new era and demonstrates our commitment to delivering practical innovations that improve productivity, profitability and flexibility for Australian growers. We would also like to acknowledge the dedicated contributions of the previous plant breeders, Dr Kristy Hobson, Dr Nicole Dron and Dr Ahsan Asif, who developed this variety".

GRDC senior manager – pulses, Dr Francis Ogbonnaya welcomed the announcement and said the release of the first chickpea variety under the new program was a significant milestone.

“GRDC is very aware of how important chickpeas are as a pulse crop for Australian growers and the development of new varieties with improved traits is critical for the ongoing expansion,” he said.

“It is encouraging to see AGT bringing this to market so soon after taking over the program and speaks to the quality of work done by those involved in the earlier phases of Chickpea Breeding Australia, as well as the dedication of the new team.”

Selected from the advanced germplasm pool acquired from Chickpea Breeding Australia, AGT-Opener Imi is the first chickpea variety with tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides, offering growers greater confidence when planting into paddocks where residual Imi herbicides may otherwise limit rotational options.

Imidazolinone herbicides are widely used across Australian farming systems and are a valuable weed management tool. However, residual herbicide carryover can create challenges for sensitive crops. AGT-Opener Imi addresses this issue by providing tolerance to the herbicide group, significantly expanding management flexibility for growers.

Further enhancing the variety's potential, an application has been submitted for APVMA approval of Nufarm Intercept® (Group 2 Imazamox and Imazapyr) for in-crop use. If approved, it would become the first registered imidazolinone herbicide for use in chickpeas carrying this trait.

Alongside its herbicide tolerance, AGT-Opener Imi’s disease package offers resistance levels comparable to current commercial standards for Ascochyta blight. The variety also demonstrates excellent resistance and tolerance to Pratylenchus thornei, although resistance to Phytophthora root rot is slightly lower than some leading varieties.

As part of its commitment to the future of chickpea improvement, AGT has recently appointed Ali Izanloo as Chickpea Breeder, based in Narrabri.

Dr Izanloo brings extensive international breeding experience to the role. He first interacted with AGT while completing his PhD through the University of Adelaide more than 20 years ago and has since worked within international university research programs before most recently serving as a pea breeder in New Zealand. Dr Izanloo has relocated from New Zealand to Narrabri and will lead AGT's chickpea breeding efforts as the program enters its next phase.

"Ali's appointment brings a wealth of breeding expertise and fresh perspectives to the program," Dr Norman said.

"We are excited to welcome him to AGT and look forward to building on the outstanding foundation established by Chickpea Breeding Australia as we develop the next generation of chickpea varieties for Australian growers."

With the release of AGT-Opener Imi and the appointment of a dedicated breeder, AGT is reinforcing its long-term commitment to chickpea improvement and ensuring Australian growers continue to benefit from world-class genetics, innovation and breeding expertise well into the future.