The winter wheat seed market has gone through a challenging time. It has been building back up following a breakdown in septoria resistance in the variety Cougar, which many varieties had in their parentage.

Graham is still the main variety on the market, with 30% of the seed area, while Champion follows with 14% of the seed area, down from 27% last year. The variety, which still has a high yield score will likely fall to a rating of 4 this year for resistance to yellow rust according to the Department of Agriculture.

KWS Equipe and LG Rebellion have built up their seed areas to 13%, while Kubik hits 10%. There is great choice on the list this year.

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Growers will likely be keen to try some of these newer varieties, which have increased in seed availability. Here’s some information on those newer varieties.

Kubik

Kubik has a relative yield score of 107 on the recommended list. It’s good to tiller, is early maturing and rates somewhere in the middle for straw and disease.

Kubick winter wheat. \ Barry Cronin

KWS Equipe

At 106 for relative yield, KWS Equipe is an attractive variety. It’s an early ripener with a KPH of about 77, according to the Department. It rates a 7 on yellow rust and a 6 on septoria. It’s weak on straw breakdown and has milling potential.

KWS Equipe winter wheat. \ Patrick Browne

KWS Scope

KWS Scope is a high yielder at a score of 106. Scope has a low score for yellow rust, is mid-range for Septoria and rates an 8 on mildew. It has a good straw profile.

KWS Scope Winter Wheat. \ Donal O' Leary

LG Rebellion

Another option for late sowing, after late-harvested crops as it gets out of the ground quickly. LG Rebellion is early maturing and has a relative yield score of 106. It’s strong on straw and yellow rust.

NOS Bullseye

Bullseye rates 102 on relative yield. The Department described it as a step up on septoria with a resistance score of 7. It falls down on yellow rust and rates a 5 for sprouting. It has good straw and strong resistance to lodging.

RGT Hexton

RGT Hexton comes in at 102 for relative yield. It rates a 6 for septoria and yellow rust. It’s KPH is similar to Champion. Straw strength is among the highest on the list.

WPB Fairview

WPB Fairview is a new variety, but it does take up 4% of the seed area. The Department reported that there is no septoria in the untreated plots. It rates highly for yellow rust and straw strength according to reports. The variety has a KPH of 80.

WPB Fairview Winter Wheat. \ Donal O' Leary

Ones to keep an eye on

KWS Arnie was described by the Department as a step up on septoria resistance and it has a high Hagberg falling number, which is good for milling potential. KWS Checkmate has no yellow rust in plots and is good on septoria. The Department reported a KPH of 78. It’s a late ripening variety. LG Wraith is in trial. It does not have any yellow rust in the plots and is quite clean for septoria. It has a good KPH, but data is limited.

KWS Arnie Winter Wheat. \ Donal O' Leary