AHDB launches cereal and oilseed varieties for 2024/25

The RL 2024/25 introduces numerous enhancements to the tables based on feedback from the RL review, including valuable insights into verticillium stem stripe resistance in oilseed rape.

Paul Gosling, AHDB's RL manager, remarked, "The RL review has already resulted in numerous changes to the lists. This year’s leaner lists will be welcomed by many. However, quality remains high, with several exciting new additions."

Barley Lists

The winter barley category welcomes two newcomers. SY Buzzard, a six-row hybrid equipped with BYDV tolerance, is especially appealing to growers seeking alternatives to insecticides. Despite lower yields compared to other six-row hybrids, it exhibits commendable lodging resistance. Meanwhile, the two-row feed variety LG Capitol showcases impressive treated and untreated yields, coupled with robust disease resistance.

The spring barley list features six novel varieties under evaluation by the Malting Barley Committee (MBC). These include three for brewing, two for brewing and malt distilling, and one exclusively for malt distilling. Bounty1 stands out in terms of yield, particularly in the East region, offering good disease and lodging resistance. While NOS Gambit and LG Aquarius exhibit slightly lower yields, their robust disease resistance and standing characteristics are noteworthy. Belter and Olsen, evaluated for both brewing and malt distilling, demonstrate treated and untreated yields surpassing current market leaders. NOS Munro, under malt distilling evaluation, proves highly yielding in the North.

Despite offering improvements in yield and disease resistance over existing market leaders RGT Planet and Laureate, breaking into the market remains challenging for these new additions, and achieving full MBC approval is uncertain.

Wheat Lists

The winter wheat list introduces five new varieties. SY Cheer, a provisional UKFM Group 1 variety, stands out for its relatively high untreated yield and robust rust resistance. The list also includes two recommended UKFM Group 3 varieties: Bamford, exhibiting exceptional treated and untreated yields, robust disease resistance, and grain quality; and Almara, recommended for the North region, showcasing commendable treated and untreated yields with approval for export.

The only new Group 4 soft variety, Blackstone, offers commendable disease and lodging resistance along with impressive untreated yields. LG Beowulf, the sole hard Group 4 variety, contributes consistent high yields, lodging resistance, and good grain quality.

In the spring wheat category, two new varieties make an appearance. UKFM Group 2 WPB Mylo, a short variety with robust disease resistance, and SEW19-3003SW2, a high-yielding hard Group 4 variety with impressive disease resistance and specific weight, join the lineup.

Winter Oilseed Rape List

For the first time, the winter oilseed rape list incorporates information on verticillium stem stripe resistance. Varieties receive ratings as susceptible, moderately resistant, or intermediate. Although data remains limited for most varieties, this addition is a culmination of nearly a decade's worth of research investment. Phoma stem canker ratings have been recalibrated to address recent drift issues, resulting in a general reduction in ratings. However, this does not indicate a change in varietal resistance but rather improvements in the rating calculation process.

The list introduces three new UK-recommended hybrid varieties – LG Armada, LG Academic, and LG Adeline3 – boasting high yields and robust disease resistance, including resistance to TuYV. These varieties do not currently carry a verticillium rating.

Dolphin, a hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, stands out for its high yield, robust disease resistance, and the distinction of being one of only seven varieties rated as moderately resistant to verticillium.

A new UK-recommended conventional variety, Pi Pinnacle, demonstrates excellent yields in the East/West region and commendable light leaf spot resistance. Miraculix CL, a new Clearfield® variety for the North region, delivers relatively high yields.

This list has been restructured to group varieties by type, responding to feedback during the RL review.

Oats Lists

The spring oats list introduces two new varieties. Husked variety Asterion offers impressive treated and untreated yields, robust disease resistance, and high kernel content. Ovation, a described naked oat, stands out for its relatively high untreated yield. Notably, there are no new winter oat varieties.

List Improvements

2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the first recommended list, highlighting the RL's continued evolution to meet the evolving needs of farmers.

In response to feedback from the latest RL review, the online tables have undergone numerous improvements to assist farmers in navigating the lists. The RL app now features a side-by-side comparison tool for varieties, with an update scheduled for January 2024 to incorporate RL 2024/25 data.

The RL archive now includes a tool to help users identify the initial and final listing years for varieties. The RL booklet, slated for release in January, will showcase significant changes to table designs and provide extensive information about the RL trial and recommendation processes.

Two calls for scoping reviews have been initiated to investigate evidence of varietal responses under lower-input scenarios, examining nitrogen and fungicides, respectively.

Paul stated, "Some recommendations from the RL review can be quickly applied, some will take longer or may not be practical or affordable. We are also exploring ways to maximize the value of RL data already collected to offer new varietal insights. Regardless of the next steps, we will ensure RL users stay informed about major developments."