HGCA Recommended List analysis: Sesame has potential

Year to year consistency is what growers should look for in an oilseed rape variety, says Simon Kightley of NIAB TAG.

“That’s why the hybrid PR46W21 is the target variety for the east and west region,” he explains. “Over the last five years, it has been very high yielding and demonstrated this consistency again and again.”

But new conventional type Sesame is 1% higher, with a gross output of 110, he acknowledges. “It’s also very high yielding, but the current gross output figure is heavily weighted by the first couple of years of trials. We need another year to see where it beds in.”

Having said that, Mr Kightley notes that Sesame has been consistently top in trials and has looked very good as it has progressed through the trialling system. “But it was beaten by the hybrid this year by a considerable margin.”

Sesame is fairly tall and late maturing, with good standing ability, he continues. “It has the same vegetative figure as some of the hybrids, so growers might need to take that on board with seed rates.”

It is susceptible to phoma, so a full spray programme is required, he adds. “And although it has the same maturity score as DK Cabernet, it is slightly earlier to flower.”

Barry Barker of Masstock points out Sesame already has an 8% market share, having been marketed ahead of the recommendation decision. “It will appeal and is pulling growers away from the likes of Castille, DK Cabernet and some hybrids.”

Lee Bennett of Openfield says that it’s a no brainer. “Sesame’s got the yield and it will sell.”

Prime Agriculture’s Graham Brooks reports that there is already quite a bit of Sesame on his farms, as it suits the heavy clay soils. “We look for bulk and vigour, which is what it offers.”

The other conventional variety to join the east and west region is Cash, which has a gross output of 101, putting it in 12th place.

“It’s there for its phoma score of 8,” says Mr Kightley. “Having a range of types is always handy.”

Philip Marr of Masstock is concerned about phoma resistance scores, pointing out that nearly 60% of winter oilseed rape varieties have resistance ratings of less than 5.

“It’s still the number one disease for most growers, despite the attention that’s been given to light leaf spot recently. It’s worrying to see that ratings have slipped so much.”

Three hybrids have also been added to the list. While none of them take yields on, all are seen as good varieties which deserve to have a commercial opportunity.

Compass, Rhino and Palace have better light leaf spot resistance than existing varieties and they broaden the choice of hybrids at the top end of the yield spectrum, notes Mr Kightley.

“Compass has also taken top place in the north region, so it’s really shown itself to be a UK variety and has confirmed its earlier promise.”

For Mr Barker, the key question is whether any of the new hybrids are good enough to persuade Excalibur growers to change. “Excalibur has been so consistent and has continued to sell well. There’s a huge area of rape out there at the moment, which means that early maturity will matter at harvest.”

The two new semi-dwarfs, DK Sequoia and PR45D05, move yields along in that specialist category, notes Mr Kightley. “And PR45D05 is very well adapted for growing throughout the UK, as it also joins the northern region list.”

Cracker, with its club root resistance, combines a significant yield improvement with a nine for light leaf spot. “It’s also likely to be very good for the north, but needs another year’s data.”

Conventional type, Fashion, has been added to the northern region list, having received recommendation for the east and west region last year. “We’ve seen it coming and it has delivered its promise.”

David Waite of Frontier Agriculture points out that the oilseed rape market in the north is dominated by hybrids. “And now we’ve got more choice. But the competition to them is from Excalibur, which is early, stiff and not too tall. It’s the farmer’s favourite.”

He anticipates that Compass will replace Flash and Cracker will take over from Mendel, but adds that Cuillin is also a big seller for its light leaf spot resistance.