The area of oilseed rape planted to hybrid varieties in the UK has overtaken conventionals this season, according to new annual industry planting estimates from Agrii.

The detailed estimates gathered by the company from across the industry in the same way for the past 15 years show hybrids increasing their share of certified seed sales to a record 65%. Even after accounting for home-saving, this means hybrids are now calculated to comprise over half the crop area for the first time.

“The popularity of hybrid varieties has grown noticeably in recent years,” explains Agrii arable seed manager, Barry Barker. “The more rapid progress top breeders have clearly been able to make in developing robust, high performing varieties through hybridisation appears to be overcoming UK grower’s traditional preference for pure lines. This is bringing us increasingly into line with the rest of northern Europe where hybrids have long been preferred.

“If anything, more vigorous, faster-developing hybrids under-performed last year due to very strong autumn growth, the non-existent winter and exceptionally unstable spring and summer ground conditions.

“Thankfully, though, most growers weren’t put off by this. Which is just as well since the early ‘get-up-and-go’ the best modern hybrids have in spades has been an essential requirement this season, with the delayed drilling and other major establishment challenges many have been facing.”

Farm-saving means DK Cabernet continues to be the most popular variety in the ground this season, according to the figures. Overall, it is estimated to command around 15% of the market, putting it a good 10% clear of its nearest pure line rivals.

Despite the fact that they can’t be farm-saved, the top selling hybrids – Excalibur and Compass – each took 9-10% of the total market. With an estimated 6% share of plantings, DK ExPower and PR46W21 were also more popular than any other pure line except DK Cabernet. And emerging new hybrid DK Excellium made an impressive commercial debut at 3-4%.

“Hybrids clearly have far more strength in depth than pure lines these days too,” Mr Barker says. “We calculate seven hybrids achieved a certified seed market share of more than 3% this autumn, compared with three pure lines.

“Yet five years ago seven pure lines and only a single hybrid – Excalibur – took more than 3% of the certified seed market. This really underlines the speed with which the variety landscape has changed.”

See our dedicated HGCA Recommended List 2013/14 web page for more on oilseed rape varieties

Richard Allison on G+