United Kingdom
September 26, 2022
RGT Bairstow, the new Group 4 soft wheat with solid disease resistance scores and exceptional yields, has caught the eye in an RAGT-funded trial in Berkshire, not just for its output.
The trials at Compton on shallow soil over chalk were carried out by Green Crop Information, an independent supplier of crop management advice. The site was direct drilled in October after spring barley. Plots got away well and ground cover in March at GS25-29 averaged just over 40%.
Dr Cathy Hooper, technical sales manager at RAGT Seeds, says: “Although slower to cover the ground in the autumn, by spring RGT Bairstow had one of the highest biomasses at this site and also had the third-highest number of tillers per plant, reflecting its excellent spring vigour.”
The crop continued to flourish right through to senescence. When the effects of drought took hold, RGT Bairstow maintained its green area well. “This was reflected by its position as having one of the highest green area indices as measured by GDVI from GS73 through to 87,” says Cathy.
“There was some significance in yield differences and RGT Bairstow, perhaps due to its better growth at this site, is ranked fourth out of 13 varieties and has one of the best untreated yields.”
Yield aside, one of the most interesting results to come out of the trial was the differences in speed of development between varieties. RGT Bairstow was a few days behind most in reaching critical growth stages/spray timings from T0 through to T3.
“These comprehensive figures from Green Crop Information clearly illustrate how variety choice can help growers spread the workload at key spray timings,” says Cathy.
“Growing RGT Bairstow in addition to faster-developing varieties will help growers apply the sprays at the right time, reducing the risk from delays due to inclement weather or breakdowns and safeguarding yields and quality.”
RGT Bairstow
- Highest yielding soft wheat (RL 2022/23)
- Very consistent performer
- Good disease ratings
- OWBM resistance
- Suitable for early drilling but can be sown to mid February
- Excellent second wheat
- Good grain quality
- Approved for distilling
Topics
Species
