Syngenta used the Cereals Event to launch its new hybrid barley, Quantock, the joint highest yielding six-row hybrid on the AHDB Recommended List 2025-26.

With a UK yield of 109% and an impressive untreated yield of 93%, Quantock has given its best performance in the west region with a yield of 112%, but has also performed well across a range of soil types and seasons.

See also: Cereals 2025: Winter oat Mascani awarded Niab Variety Cup

Dubbed “the new Kingsbarn”, Syngenta’s the company’s latest addition is a step on for hybrid barley, explained Mark Shaw, hybrid barley manager at the firm.

The variety brings more yield, a specific weight of 70.4kg/hl and good all-round disease resistance.

© Tim Scrivener

Syngenta’s existing choice Kingsbarn was recommended in 2019 and has more than 50% of the hybrid market share.

“There are good reasons for that,” said Mark. “Kingsbarn has been consistent and continues to meet growers’ requirements in terms of yield, grassweed suppression, scavenging ability and straw production.”

The arrival of Quantock marks the next generation in yield from the Hyvido breeding programme, with the added benefits of 7 ratings for rhynchosporium and mildew, with 6s for net blotch and brown rust.

“It also has good lodging resistance and early maturity. We refer to Quantock as Kingsbarn Plus,” says Mark.

Seed of Quantock will be available widely for this autumn’s drillings.