R. T. Colton NSW Agriculture, Division of Plant Industries, Locked Bag 21, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia. The cross was made by I. A. Rose in February 1988 at Narrabri. In subsequent years, it was tested at Yanco and Coleambally. Resistance to Phytophthora sojae root and stem rot was tested by M. J. Ryley in 1991. Arunta has an indeterminate growth habit, with narrow leaves, white flowers, tawny pubescence and tan pod walls.
Seeds are yellow, spherical with a shiny lustre.
Arunta is distinguished from Banjalong and Stephens by its maturity, being on average 3 days earlier than Stephens and 7 days earlier than Banjalong. No bacterial pustule or bacterial blight has been observed on Arunta. Arunta is adapted to the Murrumbidgee Valley, New South Wales, and will initially be recommended to replace the cultivar Stephens in that area. It may have potential in the Murray Valley and northern Victoria where a variety which matures earlier than Stephens is required. In trials in the Murrumbidgee Valley Arunta has shown superior yields to Stephens.