Barley programme is set to dwindle
Barley programme is set to dwindle
A CLAIM that the supply of new UK barleys from Monsanto PBIC could soon dry up is misleading, according to cereal product manager John Howie.
At the launch of the Recommended Lists for 2002, it was suggested that the firms barley programme was to close.
"I have heard the rumour," says Mr Howie. "But its untrue to say the programme is being mothballed. It hasnt come to an end."
Varieties already in National List trials and earlier crosses within two years of reaching NL testing are still being progressed. "But we are reviewing our early generation programme," he admits.
"It is increasingly clear that the real opportunities for the UK are within wheat germplasm, using new technologies to derive additional value by focussing on quality traits."
One option for the barley programme could be to concentrate more on wider European markets, says Mr Howie. The firms Prestige is well liked there. *