Strong hybrids gaining in popularity research shows

Two thirds of UK crop producers now grow hybrid oilseed rape, according to latest research commissioned by seed breeders DSV UK Ltd.

The survey of over 400 growers shows over three quarters choose hybrids because of positive previous experience with over 60% saying higher yield is the main reason they do so.

Other key factors include better early vigour and stronger standing power, confirming producers’ desire for resilient varieties that can deliver high yields in a wide variety of growing conditions, says DSV’s Sarah Lockhart.

“Last year was a watershed year for many growers with many crops, including some well known hybrids, succumbing to lodging and consequent yield loss,” she says.

“Although growers recognise yield, vigour and strength as key traits of hybrids, experience has shown them that not all hybrids exhibit these qualities in challenging conditions like we had last year.”

Dr. Heino Schaupp of DSV in Germany, where the company is the market leader in oilseed rape seed, says that over 80% of the country’s producers now grow hybrids and predicts that the UK will be at the same level within the next five years.

“Our feeling is that very few conventional varieties will be grown in the UK by 2020 as the advantages of well-bred hybrids are becoming increasingly clear,” he says.

“Good hybrids with a strong genetic base establish better, produce stronger roots more quickly and cope with adversity better than conventional varieties and this all adds up to more consistent achievement of high yields.”

DSV UK estimates hybrids are now outselling conventional varieties at the rate of two to one with around 15% of producers growing home saved seed.