Wheat varieties turning a corner

Winter wheat varieties hit a bit of a slump in recent years. Cougar, used as a parent in many other varieties, broke down against septoria and so most of those varieties exited the train to market. This year yellow rust became a big issue in Ireland – as rust overcame the YR15 gene, which has been in winter wheat since the 1990s. Looking for varieties with good rust resistance will be essential going forward, but septoria remains the biggest challenge.

Graham and Champion will still be the most plentiful varieties next year, at 33% and 27% of the seed area, but Fitzroy takes up 13% and some of the newer varieties have significant areas. LG Rebellion has 7% of the area, while RGT Hexton has 5%, KWS Equipe has 3%, Kubik 2%, Bullseye 1% and KWS Scope 1% (see table 1).

There is some excitement in winter wheat again, with these new varieties coming on the market.

Champion and Fitzroy were only first listed last year and remain good options for growers. Fitzroy is on a seven for Septoria and an eight for yellow rust on the recommended list. Recent Department reports place it at a 6.5 for rust following this season.

Champion is on a six for Septoria and a seven for yellow rust. Graham rates a five for resistance to both yellow rust and Septoria and will remain popular with the biggest seed area. Spearhead is liked by many in the Drummonds region and takes up 4% of the seed.

LG Rebellion

LG Rebellion importantly does not contain that YR15 gene. It is a quick developer and so is suited to later ground. Goldcrop’s John Dunne said it could be ready seven to 10 days ahead of other varieties. It scored 112 on relative yield and has a resistance rating of siz against Septoria. It also contains PCH1 resistance to eyespot, which can be a big problem in some crops in Leinster.

RGT Hexton

RGT Hexton has Graham in its parentage. It scores a six for Septoria, is a slow developer and so is suited to early sowing where slugs are not a big risk. It tillers well and has a relative yield score of 107.

KWS Equipe

KWS Equipe is a bread-making wheat. Seedtech’s Tim O’Donovan commented that it is an early-maturing variety and should not be planted early. It is similar to Champion on Septoria and is reported to be good on yellow rust, as it generally doesn’t impact until later in the season which can be managed. It is also reported to be good on fusarium.

Kubik

Kubik has a relative yield score of 111 and a resistance score of six to both Septoria and yellow rust. It has good grain and straw quality. It grows vigorously and is suited to early or late drilling.

Bullseye

Bullseye is a sister of Kubik and has had the highest resistance score to Septoria for the last three years in Ireland according to Drummonds Brian Reilly. He noted that the variety gets rust later in the season which growers can protect against. It is suited to early sowing from 23 September on and has excellent grain quality, but there won’t be a bulk of seed this season.

KWS Scope

This high yielder has been doing well in the UK list. It has a relative yield score here in Ireland of 111 and a septoria resistance rating of six out of nine. It does not contain the YR15 gene and there are just two seed crops in production.