A project led by the AHDB is set to investigate crop physiology traits in winter wheat that enhance weed competitiveness in low-input and organic farming systems.

The initiative will support cereal and oilseed growers with sustainable strategies to naturally suppress weeds and reduce reliance on herbicides

The project builds on findings from the 2022-23 review of the  Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL), where levy payers highlighted the importance of variety competitiveness against grassweeds.

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With growing evidence supporting the use of competitive varieties for weed suppression, the research aims to pinpoint specific varietal traits that deliver this benefit.

This will inform both farmer decision-making and long-term plant breeding strategies, supporting the transition to more environmentally-friendly agricultural practices. 

The project is working in collaboration with RSK Adas, Cope Seeds (UK), the Organic Research Centre, and UK Grain Lab. It will run from June 2025 to December 2027.

The results will contribute to a robust, multi-year dataset, enhancing the information gained through RL crop physiology assessments.

Ultimately, the project will equip farmers with additional insights into variety selection – helping them choose winter wheat varieties that offer greater natural weed suppression. 

The AHDB’s senior knowledge transfer manager Henny Lowth said: “We know managing weeds without chemicals is a key challenge for growers in low-input and organic systems.

“This project represents a major step towards evidence-based guidance on how variety choice can support integrated weed management.

“We’re excited to be working with our partners and the farming community to deliver meaningful, field-tested results.”

If you’re interested in taking part and hosting an on-farm variety trial, please complete the AHDB Crop Physiology (Wheat) Project form.

For more information, email Henny at: henny.lowth@ahdb.org.uk