Program 2 - Delivering improved Ascochyta blight (AB) and Botrytis grey mould (BGM) resistance in chickpea, lentil and faba bean

⁠⁠⁠TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

GRDC has made the decision to temporarily suspend the Request for Tender (RFT) process for this opportunity to ensure requirements are clearly defined. Recent feedback and questions from the market have highlighted the need for additional guidance and clarification. We sincerely appreciate the considerable time, and effort applicants have invested in preparing their submissions and engaging with GRDC to date.

Updates regarding the recommencement of the RFT process and a new closing date will be posted on this page as soon as they become available. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing interest in this opportunity.

Offer period

Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time.

Ascochyta blight and Botrytis grey mould continue to significantly constrain the productivity and profitability of Australia's pulse industries, with pathogen populations evolving and current varietal resistance under increasing pressure. Strengthening and future-proofing genetic resistance is a critical foundation for reducing disease losses and supporting sustainable, cost-effective management in chickpea, lentil and faba bean.

To address this need, GRDC is seeking a suitably qualified delivery partner to deliver nationally coordinated research that strengthens genetic resistance to Ascochyta blight in chickpea, lentil and faba bean and Botrytis grey mould in faba bean.

The investment will build on the successful chickpea Ascochyta blight resistance framework developed through previous GRDC investments, including established phenotyping protocols, genetic tools and improved resistance sources. This framework will be leveraged to develop and standardise industry- accepted disease screening methods for lentil and faba bean, generate and publish resistance performance data, and deliver practical genetic tools and resistance-enriched germplasm that can be used by breeding organisations to accelerate the release of improved chickpea, lentil and faba bean varieties for Australian growers.

Other Instructions:

For complete RFT details and instruction please visit GRDC website:

https://grdc.com.au/research/partnering-in-rde-investment/opportunities/current-opportunities

Document contact and enquiries

Attention: Justine Morgan

Grains Research and Development Corporation

Email: tenders@grdc.com.au

Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to 19 June 2026.