More farmers are trying out hybrid rape in testing times
The results from a four-year survey of farmers, conducted by the National Farm Research Unit (NFRU), reveals that, whilst just 16% of arable farmers tried out a new oilseed rape variety this season, over one-third of them were testing out hybrid varieties for the first time. This could be in direct response to the difficult autumn conditions together with the increased availability of suitable hybrids.
The National Farm Research Unit asked over two thousand farmers each year which oilseed rape varieties they grew for the first time in the current season. "In autumn 2005, around one third of farmers said they had tried a new variety of winter oilseed rape, with the most popular first-timers being Lioness and Castille. In 2006 Castille and Astrid, two conventional low biomass varieties, were the most popular first time varieties and in 2007 four conventionals Catana, Castille, Komando and Ovation attracted attention. This last autumn 2008, which has been one of the most difficult autumns for drilling rape for many years, saw just 16% of farmers choosing to grow a new variety. Farmers appear to be sticking with what they know when it comes to varieties and when conditions are tough," says Jim Williams of the NFRU.
In 2005/06 34% of farmers grew anew variety for the first time. In 2006/07 this was 20% of farmers and in 2007/0 18%. This year 16% of farmer grew a new variety.
When it came to hybrids in 2005/06 4% of farmers who chose to grow a new variety chose a hybrid. The next year 15% of new varieties were hybdrids and in 2007/08 24% were hybrids. This year 34% of new varieties grown for the first time were hybdrids.
The challenging conditions of the autumn combined with the increased breeding focus on hybrids has lead to a market swing towards hybrid varieties that are perceived to be high yielding, more vigorous and capable of establishing better under difficult conditions.
Jim reports that over 34% of farmers who selected a new variety to grow for the first time chose to plant a hybrid variety, with the established hybrid Excalibur and the new variety Flash taking good shares. "In the conventional area there appeared to be a more diverse selection of varieties this year with Catana, Temple, Vision, DK Cabernet, Ovation, and Castille being the top ones being grown for the first time."
"As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether the decision to go for hybrids will result in better established crops that have gone through the winter and are able to grow into a high yielding rape crop, or whether sticking with the conservative approach by growing conventional varieties has paid off. The plant breeders are investing in hybrid varieties as they generally produce excellent yields and have good vigour. Last year, harvest 2008, there were more hybrids (21 varieties) than conventional open-pollinated rape varieties (17) on the Recommended List Sowing trials," says Jim Williams.
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For further information or comment, please contact: Jim Williams, Marketing and Communications Director of Precision Prospecting on 01728 622500 or by email at jimwilliams@precisionprospecting.com
