New cereals are ones to watch
The 2019/2020 AHDB cereals and oilseeds recommended list has been announced, with some new additions that offer exceptional disease resistance, including new Group 4 soft wheats LG Spotlight and LG Skyscraper, both of which were candidate varieties last year.
As an out-and-out yielder, LG Skyscraper is the number one choice. Alongside a good specific weight of 77.2, it offers good disease resistance ratings including Orange Wheat Blossom Midge resistance, which is becoming an increasing priority for growers following a problematic 2018. The only concern may be its standing ability, but it’s on the list with two ratings of 7.
Although a lower yielder than LG Skyscraper, LG Spotlight arguably offers a more complete package, with an even higher specific weight of 78.3 and better lodging scores of 8 and 7 with and without a plant growth regulator respectively.
Growers also shouldn’t forget the three G’s, which were favourite Group 4 wheats this year – Gleam, Gravity and Graham. All grew in popularity in 2018 and we envisage this being the case again for 2019, with all three yielding well despite a difficult year.
For those looking for a new Group 3 wheat, I would suggest KWS Firefly is a strong contender. It’s high yielding with good disease resistance, that includes a Septoria Tritici rating of 7.0, ticking all the boxes in terms of consistency.
Another new addition to keep an eye on is Group 2 wheat KWS Extase. Again, it offers good yield, but what we’re particularly excited about is the Septoria Tritici score of 8.1 and an untreated yield of 95 per cent, which are both the highest on the list which set a new standard for disease resistance.
Although it’s a breadmaking variety, this will still appeal to growers in the west who would opt for a Group 2 wheat to grow for livestock feed.
There are also new winter barley options that offer very high yields and good disease packages, including KWS Gimlet, LG Flynn and Valerie.
Although a mixed year for cereal crops, it’s great to see a number of key varieties remaining firmly on the list and performing well this year despite the tricky conditions.
It’ll be interesting to see how the next year unfolds, and if any of the new options replace the favourites of 2018.
Jonathan Baxendale, Wynnstay combinable seed product manager
