Syngenta launched high-yielding Group 2 wheat, Kingdom, at Cereals 2010 – supported by a contact from Rank Hovis mills.

Growers would be offered £5/t under the Group 1 premium or £12/t over feed, said sales and marketing manager, Samantha Smith.

“It’s a similar contract to Cordiale and Hovis has confirmed it will be taking a substantial tonnage.”

Other millers had expressed an interest, but no more contracts had been confirmed. Bob Craddock from Smiths Flour Mills said the variety performed well in baking tests, but was not always consistent. “We look forward to seeing a larger quantity of commercial grain this year and it could become a rival for Cordiale.”

Kingdom is a Solstice cross with slightly earlier maturity than its parent and 3% higher yielding on the Recommended List. Average protein content is 12.2%, specific weight is rated at 78.7kg/hl and Hagberg falling number is 271 seconds. “It has a rating of eight for lodging and is best suited to the East and West regions,” said Ms Smith.

Yields were similar to the firm’s Group 1 offering, Gallant, which prompted some industry experts to question its place in the market.

“Quality is OK, but it is tall, not the stiffest and doesn’t perform well on light soils,” said Openfield technical manager Lee Bennett. “It is good for milling, but I can’t quite see where it fits.”

Seed is available through Gleadell and Saxon Agriculture.