Group 2 wheats out of favour

24 September 1999

Group 2 wheats out of favour

WHEAT growers are abandoning nabim Group 2 varieties in favour of Group 1 types, although overall, the two together will take less of the larger total wheat area for next harvest, according to Dalgety Arable.

"With varietal uncertainties and premiums down on Group 2, it is not hard to see the shift into the other three groups," says national cereal seeds product manager David Neale.

Rialto retains a light land following, but concern over its ergot susceptibility and Hagberg levels is expected to see its market share halve to about 4%, he says. Abbot, which has failed to attract millers, and Charger, with its extreme sprouting problems, will suffer a similar fate, slipping to just 2% each.

Main beneficiary in Group 1 is Malacca, expected to more than double its share to 9% after an excellent year. Hereward, which coped well with the bad weather, is set to retain a significant 8%, says Mr Neale.

Among Group 3 varieties, which will take about 45% of the market, the rising star is Claire, up to 8% from 1% last season. With its excellent disease resistance and very high yields, it is virtually sold out in all areas, and could eventually account for one-fifth of all winter wheat, Mr Neale predicts.

Equinox (9%) and Savannah (8%) are a "strong double act" dominating Group 4 which will represent one-quarter of all winter wheat grown from both certified and farm-saved seed, he adds.