breeder
Shamrock is set to soar, says
breeder
VIVID green wheat Shamrock is set to shake up the breadmaking market and reshape growers spray programmes, claims breeder Advanta.
Provisionally classified as a group 1 variety by the National Association of British and Irish Millers, its treated yield is equal top of the breadmaking varieties. When untreated it tops the lot.
"Its disease resistance opens up management questions," says Advanta technical manager Paul Hickman. "We know a flag-leaf spray is going to be worthwhile, but growers could take a suck it and see approach at GS31-32 and earwash timings. "And the cost of the sprays saved goes straight on the bottom-line as margin."
An eyespot rating of four by NIAB is questioned by the company. It is based on extremely limited data, and no differentiation of eyespot severity was seen between varieties last season. Five would be a fairer figure, says Mr Hickman.
Otherwise there are no major disease weaknesses, he stresses. NIAB rate mildew and yellow rust resistance at eight, brown rust at six, and septoria nodorum and tritici at seven and six respectively.
Microscopic inspection of leaves by the John Innes Research Centre dispels the view that the unusually green variety is waxless. A normal thickness wax cuticle is present, but crystals are flatter and more plate like. "Weve no evidence or reason to expect this would effect its response to agrochemicals," he adds.
Seed supply this autumn. should be 7000-8000t, enough for 2-3% of the UK wheat area.
"The guide-price is £320/t dressed, but I wouldnt be surprised to hear its going for more than that," he concludes.
SHAMROCK FACTS
Provisional group 1 breadmaking
Waxless theory dismissed
Savings on disease control
Low eyespot score questioned
Guide price £320/t dressed.
SHAMROCK FACTS
• Provisional approval for nabim group 1 breadmaking
• Waxless theory dismissed
• Savings on disease control
• Low eyespot score questioned
• Guide price £320/t dressed.
What the millers say
Allied Mills: "We have been assessing the variety since 1996. Shamrock has Hagberg Falling numbers similar to or slightly higher than Hereward. Grain milling characteristics are promising. Shamrock shows good breadmaking potential, equivalent to Herewards."
Rank Hovis: "In limited trials we have found Shamrock to perform well in bread-making tests. However, in our perception it is softer than other nabim group one varieties and therefore likely to produce a flour of lower water absorption. This could make its value to us lower than competing wheats."
but does not have any impact on its performance in making bread. We accept that this may be a view singular to Rank Hovis."