United Kingdom
April 29, 2013
KWS UK has launched a new conventional oilseed rape with the potential of offering the highest gross output from these types on farm.
With a 2013/14 UK Recommended List East/West region gross output of 103% of controls, Rivalda is the first variety to come out of KWS’ oilseed rape breeding programme in Germany.
According to KWS UK oilseed rape product manager, Tom Dummett, Rivalda has given consistently high yields in official trials and just pips DK Cabernet for gross output.
“Rivalda’s gross outputs over the last three years ranges by just 2% from 102-104%, showing that it is remarkably stable and equally at home whatever the seasonal stresses that are imposed on it,” he says.
Tom believes its consistently high yields come from its early flowering and late maturity. “This provides a long, productive pod-fill period and helps to counteract any adverse weather over the spring/summer.
“Over this pod-fill period, Rivalda has a massive potential to compensate, gaining most of its very high gross output from an exceptional seed yield.”
“In this respect, it performed particularly well in last season’s difficult conditions yielding on a par with the leading hybrid PR46W21,” he comments.
KWS UK suggests that Rivalda has a good level of tolerance to Verticillium Wilt. In KWS plot trials carried out by ADAS – backed by field data from NIAB/TAG – Rivalda has fewer plants affected than some other oilseed rape varieties.
“This could be a major plus point for the variety, particularly for growers with a large proportion of oilseed rape in their rotation which could favour a soil-borne disease likely to reach a damaging peak quite quickly,” he points out.
Tom describes Rivalda as a medium biomass variety, backed by good standing ability from a 7 for stem stiffness and an 8 for lodging. “It is in the mould of DK Cabernet, just 3cm shorter.
“With moderate 5 rating scores from light leaf spot and stem canker Rivalda is a high input, high output variety, but one that is manageable and rewards with a strong yield.
“We see it as an ideal choice for growers across England, from Scotch Corner south, who favour conventional oilseed rapes and who are looking for a strong partner to current selections.”
Species
