Unknown wheat shines in the west
17 October 2001
Unknown wheat shines in the west
By Simon Wragg
NEW unknown potential bread-making wheat Petrus could be a winner for growers in the west, if a Shropshire-based trial reflects true performance.
The variety took pole position in the trial where high-rate strobilurins failed to make their mark.
Local grower Robin Huxley, who assessed the effect of three different fungicide programmes on five varieties, was impressed by Petrus.
It outshone competitor Xi19 and even challenged yields of established feed variety Consort in the trial (see table).
“It also produced 25% more straw than other varieties – an important consideration here in the west.”
Spunhill Farm Sales Bryn Thomas, who monitored the trial, notes the farm standard fungicide programme offered best value for money.
“Disease pressure was generally low, a reflection of a late drilling date.
“As a result there was no significant yield response from the high input programme, although Napier and Xi19 showed small improvements.”
The mid-November drilling date may not have allowed Xi19 sufficient time to fulfil its potential, the company suggests.
“The trial was not replicated, but aimed to give a practical, local-based insight into variety management programmes at farm level,” concludes Mr Thomas.
| Variety/treatment | Consort | Napier | Xi19 | Claire | Petrus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yield (t/ha) | |||||
| T2 only – 1.0 Landmark | 10.51 | 8.91 | 9.35 | 9.74 | n/a |
| Farm standard, T1 1.0 Vista, T2 0.6 Landmark | 10.49 | 9.12 | 9.63 | 10.21 | 10.75 |
| High input: T1 1.0 Landmark, T2 1.0 Landmark, T3 0.5 Garnet | 10.65 | 9.60 | 9.98 | 9.97 | 10.40 |
| Grain analysis from high input | |||||
| Protein (%) | 10.19 | 10.53 | 11.34 | 10.42 | 12.85 |
| Hagberg | 238 | 63 | 262 | 215 | 338 |
| Bushel weight (kg/hl) | 79.0 | 78.1 | 74.2 | 70.1 | 79.8 |
| Landmark = kresoxim-methyl; Vista = fluquinconazole + chlorothalonil; Garnet = tebuconazole + triademenol | |||||
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