A vigorous conventional rape variety that challenges the hybrids

On the less fertile sites and in the smaller fields surrounded by woodland that characterise some parts of the UK, any successful oilseed rape variety must have good vigour, the ability to get enough growth in the autumn to survive the winter as well as the potential to yield well, according to Andrew Bourne of independent seed and grain trader T. Denne and Sons, based near Ashford in Kent.

’Unlike East Anglia, the topography of Kent and Sussex is characterised by downland, marshes and wealds with some parts at reasonable altitudes. Generally our fields are smaller and are often surrounded by woodlands, which mean a lot of pigeons, rabbits and deer grazing. We look for oilseed rape varieties that have the ability to establish well and can grow away vigorously under less than ideal conditions,’ says Andrew.

Mr Bourne has found that the low biomass conventional variety Alienor fits the bill. ’When we first grew Alienor, we were pleasantly surprised by its excellent vigour and its ability to over winter so well, especially as it wasn’t a hybrid. In our experience it has proven to be more vigorous than some of the hybrid rape varieties. In fact in our trials this year where we are growing both new and established varieties, Alienor stands out from many hybrids in this respect.’

’With our difficult conditions we must have a variety that gets going rapidly. This gives the crop the best possible chance of reducing significant pigeon and rabbit damage. I would think that vigour would be one of the top criteria for choosing a successful variety, yet the official variety trials seem to emphasise yield above anything else. Growers know that good establishment is the key to success with any crop. Chasing the last couple of percentage points of yield from a variety at the top of the recommended list often leads to varieties being selected that will never reach their potential in certain situations. Using the variety that suits your individual farm and management will always pay dividends.’

Andrew Bourne concludes that varieties, such as Alienor, offering good gross output, competitive agronomics and excellent disease ratings are always worth considering. ’The fact that Alienor narrowly missed being recommended is purely academic. Selecting a variety, with credible official data and proven to suit your system is far more important.’

’Farmers want varieties with a package of strong agronomic features that make the management of the crop easier and more cost-effective. Es Alienor is a variety that will satisfy these requirements - and more,’ claims Neil Groom of Grainseed.

’In particular Alienor shows significant crop vigour in the autumn and the spring, well ahead of many hybrids. It is low biomass and that means it is easy to manage and quick to harvest. It is also early maturing and fits well into any normal crop rotations, spreading the workload, a real advantage to busy farmers with a lot of acres,’ he says.

Alienor has excellent combined disease resistance ratings, with a 7.4 for Phoma and a 6.2 for Light Leaf Spot, making this variety suitable for all parts of the UK. ’The basis of Alienor’s resistance is multigene and is long lasting,’ reports Neil.

Neil Groom concludes that Alienor has a unique combination of yield and agronomic characteristics that make it well worth considering for planting anywhere in the UK. ’Its overall package allows much easier and less costly inputs without compromising on yield plus greater ease of management.’