Crops asks variety experts which oilseed rape candidates are likely to make the 2008 HGCA Recommended List.

THE CANDIDATES

• Canti CS, Catana, Flash, Komando, PR45D03, PR46w14 and Temple

Numerous varieties await possible listing this year, the strongest candidate seemingly Flash due to its yield potential, says Mr Williams.

Mr Fenwick is more reserved. “As a hybrid, which would have the highest gross margin on the list, it’s probably just that bit better to make it worth recommending. But it’s a bit tall, weak and has only moderate disease resistance. Has it enough to really attract hybrid growers?”

PR45D03, the first semi-dwarf hybrid with almost competitive yields is, however, worthy of a place on the list to give such types a chance, he believes. Mr Stephenson suspects any recommendation for PR45D03 would be confined to special use on high-fertility sites. But with its slightly better oil content PR45D03 produced useful field results in 2007, adds Mr Williams.

By contrast conventional variety Komando was disappointing. “Advanced marketing may have helped this variety get a foothold,” says Mr Stephenson. “It’s probably best to defer to see how it gets on in 2008,” says Mr Fenwick.

With no big yield leaps in prospect among conventional varieties, Mr Williams believes the main driver for selection may become canker resistance in the south, where Komando, with a potential 7 rating, appears to have a slight advantage.

Given the intensity of rape growing in his Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire/Berkshire area, Mr Cotton says good phoma resistance is vital, combined with low biomass and good standing power.

Catana is worthy of UK recommendation on the strength of its high gross output, short stiff straw and high oil content, says Mr Fenwick.

That latter character makes it a good candidate for northern recommendation, Mr Williams believes.

Mr Stephenson views Catana as a replacement for Castille, and Ms Carroll says it was memorable for its autumn vigour in trials.

Catana looks a better bet than Flash, which is too tall, adds Mr Harbour.

There is little enthusiasm for Canti CS among our commentators, the former being “one in a very congested pack of lookalikes” says Mr Stephenson.

Neither does PR46w14 attract. “A new hybrid needs to be something special,” says Mr Fenwick.

But conventional variety Temple could get a northern recommendation because of its resistance to light leaf spot.