United Kingdom
May 30, 2023
New oilseed rape varieties that offer novel disease and pest resistances and robust agronomics are emerging from RAGT’s revamped breeding programme, with the first set to hit the UK market this autumn.
It’s been a while since RAGT launched a new oilseed rape variety. Alizze and Windozz first appeared on the Recommended List in 2016, but apart from specialist Clearfield variety Nizza there has been nothing since.
Alizze and Windozz were very good varieties at the time and both enjoyed a relatively long run on the RL. But, behind the scenes, RAGT had already taken the decision to relaunch its entire oilseed rape breeding programme, using novel breeding techniques and tools to deliver top-class varieties to suit a wide range of conditions.
“It has done us good to have a rest from the market,” concedes RAGT Seeds managing director Lee Bennett.
“We found a bit of seam in Alizze and Windozz, but the programme was no longer delivering varieties that could compete with the very best out there.
Hard reset
“We have undergone a hard reset – a total restart, which is already bearing fruit, even though it is very early days. We are doing some very different things, and every variety that we have in commercial production has stemmed from this reset.
“From nowhere in the space of a few years, we are on the verge of having a range of outstanding material that is suited to many different applications.”
In our latest news pieces, we take a look at how RAGT’s new breeding programme is geared up to deliver varieties that can withstand the many challenges that the oilseed rape crop faces, helping farmers to grow better crops and reap better profits.
Lee also introduces some of the best new varieties coming forward, some of which will be available for growers to try this autumn.
Click below to read our latest news pieces linked to this article:
Setting new standards in oilseed rape
RAGT's 'game-changing' oilseed rapes on test and on sale this autumn
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