Strip trials are ideal variety test-bed for Shropshire grower

Field-scale strip trials are giving south Shropshire farmer, Rob Morgan an invaluable, risk-free insight into new genetics that could work well for him.

With his 100ha family farm at Acton Burnell having a significant problem from the disease, he admits it’ll take something special for him to switch away from the clubroot resistance hybrid he currently favours. However, taking part in Bayer’s annual Dekalb trials is giving him plenty of food for thought.

Not least, with the seven non-clubroot resistant varieties he grew on a field scale in last season’s trials topping the 14-site series with an average seed yield of 6.5t/ha, the highest yielder (DK Excited) doing fully 6.7t/ha.

“Despite clubroot, we currently see no other break crop competing with oilseed rape in terms of margin. We tried lupins many years ago but it was a complete disaster. We also looked at grain maize but, again, it doesn’t seem viable here,” says Mr Morgan.

“We operate a classic rotation of first wheat, second wheat and OSR, which is quite tight these days. But we’ve kept it simple because OSR has always been good to us, providing we can see through challenges like clubroot, which can cut yields in half.” While he currently restricts his choice to clubroot-resistant varieties, taking part in the Dekalb trials over the past five years has broadened Mr Morgan’s horizons.

“It’s very useful being one of the first to try new varieties. What I’m interested in seeing is early vigour, and the crop’s ability to get up and away from potential pest damage. Then, how the crop kicks back into action in the spring.  The trials allow me to find out how the latest genetics performs under our conditions and management, rather than taking a chance on them.”

Bayer’s Dekalb technical specialist, Richard Williams who co-ordinates the trials, believes Rob Morgan’s OSR yields speak for themselves.

“He gets good results because he’s attentive and takes time to consider the detail. He is precisely the type of grower we want to put our hybrids to the best possible test commercially. Recognising the serious threat clubroot poses on this farm, we have included an up-and-coming clubroot-resistant variety in his trial this season.

“Out-yielding the leading clubroot resistant variety on the 2023/24 Recommended List in European trials, DK Pledge is only in its first year of UK testing,” explains Mr Williams. “So, it will be really interesting to see how it performs, both alongside Rob’s current farm favourite and against some exciting new Dekalb mainstream ‘00’ hybrids.

“Pledge is a stiff stemmed variety with a better traits package than any other clubroot variety – including solid phoma stem canker and light leaf spot resistance, strong stem strength and, of course, our well-proven pod shatter resistance. It could be a real game changer for growers with clubroot concerns.” 

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Expertise & Establishment support  

Bayer CTMs are on-hand to work with growers and agronomists to support variety selection, working together to best achieve your goals. In additional support, the DEKALB OSR establishment scheme is here to provide extra reassurance to growers in challenging times. All Dekalb varieties have strong development characteristics, helping them grow away from establishment challenges, however, should your crop fail due to flea beetle or other pressures, you’ll be credited by your seed supplier with £100/bag.

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