Resistance to pests, diseases and virus is the most important factor when choosing which cereal varieties to grow, according to research carried out by Farmers Weekly in conjunction with Syngenta.

Of the 230 farmers that took part in a national survey, pest and disease resistance was mentioned as the key characteristic by almost two-thirds of respondents – for selecting both winter wheat and winter barley varieties.

Varietal resistance was rated higher than yield, which came down the pecking order in sixth place.

See also: On-farm grain processing adds value and market

This reflects the changes farmers are making as they move to more sustainable production methods and reduce inputs where possible.

Genetic resistance also featured as one of the top requirements in future winter cereal varieties, with 74% of respondents recognising the place for these varieties in more diverse rotations and for managing risk in the years ahead.

Variety selection

A strong preference for varieties which demonstrate high untreated yields was also evident in the results, highlighting the on-farm uptake of genetic solutions as a means of dealing with both economic and environmental pressures.

After resistance and untreated yield, the next most important factors for variety selection were consistency of performance and grain quality.

Both factors have come to the fore as extreme weather events have become more frequent and harvest results have varied.  

The only difference in the top five factors between cereal crops was that lodging resistance was a requirement for winter barley, while end market suitability was more highly rated for winter wheat.

Overall yield – which used to be the main driver on most farms and is used to order varieties within their market sectors – was still an important consideration for farmers, but not at any cost.

Variety information

The most trusted source of information on cereal varieties is the AHDB Recommended List, with 69% of farmers putting it in their top three and valuing its independence.

Also deemed to be important factors are previous experience with the variety (66%), local trials results (56%), and the advice of an independent agronomist (54%).

The seed merchant’s role in variety expertise was acknowledged by 41% of the survey participants, while the plant breeder’s knowledge and information is used by 32%.

Barley yellow dwarf virus

An interest in using cereal varieties to prevent yield and quality losses from pest and diseases came through strongly in the results, especially when the survey asked about barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).

Some 26% of respondents said that BYDV resistance was a key requirement for them, with the same amount reporting that BYDV is a problem on the farm every couple of years.

Measures taken to mitigate the impact of BYDV in crops included the use of later drilling dates (60%), spraying insecticides when thresholds are reached (54%), and preventing the “green bridge” (43%).

Of the other actions taken, changing the variety grown was mentioned by 28% of farmers.

When asked about varieties with either tolerance or resistance to BYDV, as many as two-thirds (68%) were aware that there is a difference between the two.

More than half of the farmers questioned recognised that resistant varieties prevented symptoms and viral load, as well as protecting yield.

Insecticides use

Insecticides are only used when pest thresholds are reached, although 24% of replies admitted the need to spray every year.

The majority of survey respondents use insecticides occasionally – every two to three years – while 28% never use insecticides, either because they have opted not to or because BYDV isn’t a problem on the farm.

Hybrid barley

Over half of the surveyed farmers had grown hybrid barley in the past five years.

The characteristics most associated with the crop are a high volume of straw and grassweed suppression, with reliable performance also scoring well.

Other attributes contributing to the inclusion of hybrid barley in farm rotations are better nitrogen use efficiency and early maturity.