Seed breeder KWS has three new winter wheats on the 2026/27 Recommended List (RL) – including the new highest-yielding variety.
KWS Aintree promises high, reliable yields while KWS Fowlmere stands out for its exceptionally early maturity. In addition, KWS Grebe offers the rare benefit of Orange Wheat Blossom Midge (OWBM) resistance within a Group 2 variety.
In conjunction with its existing portfolio, the new additions mean KWS now tops Groups 1, 2, 3 and Hard 4 in terms of UK treated yield on the new Recommended List, says the breeder– delivering a broad spectrum of choice for growers.
Front runner
Aintree joins the RL as not only the highest-yielding hard Group 4 but the highest-yielding winter wheat overall. It has delivered 110-111% of controls across three contrasting trial seasons, says KWS UK agroservice manager Matt Bull.
“KWS Aintree’s yield advantage has been proven across a wide range of seasons and growing conditions. That reliability makes it a strong choice for farmers navigating increasingly variable weather patterns.
“At a time when farm economics are under significant pressure, yield remains king and KWS Aintree delivers, performing excellently across different soil types, drilling windows and whether as a first or second wheat.
“Grain quality is as solid as it’s septoria score. Like most Group 4s now, yellow rust will need monitoring, but that yield potential is worth investing in and its high specific weight supports consistent performance. OWBM resistance is another key benefit.”
Earliest maturing wheat
New hard Group 4 wheat KWS Fowlmere combines high-yield potential with the earliest maturity of any winter wheat on the 2026/27 list. “It’s another high yielder at over 106% which outyields all of the varieties on the 2025/26 list, says Mr Bull.
“Early maturity at -2 is a unique feature, helping growers at harvest time to help spread harvest workload and risk. It’s also going to be another option as an alternative pre-crop to oilseed rape which is seeing a resurgence in growing area.
“KWS Fowlmere also brings high grain quality alongside OWBM resistance and looks set to be an excellent addition to the hard Group 4 market. Untreated yield at 88% of controls is strong for a Group 4 too.”
OWBM resistance
New Group 2 milling wheat, KWS Grebe combines high yields with a strong agronomic package, Matt Bull adds.
“KWS Grebe achieves a yield of 103% of controls, just behind the current Group 2 leader KWS Arnie but with the added security of OWBM resistance which is of increased importance for those trying to achieve a quality premium.
“OWBM resistance is a key tool within integrated pest management strategies, offering protection in high midge years, which makes KWS Grebe a very attractive option for those aiming to reduce insecticide use and avoid late-season sprays.
“KWS Grebe is one of only two Group 2 varieties that carry OWBM resistance, and it is almost 15% higher yielding than the other option.”
The variety’s early maturity of -1 helps ease harvest pressures, and its short, stiff straw reduces lodging risk and supports more straightforward crop management, he adds.
“KWS Grebe has good rotational flexibility too, performing well as both a first and second wheat. Overall, it looks like a strong variety and has a unique profile with its OWBM resistance which should generate interest on farms.
Hybrid rape
Meanwhile KWS has introduced a new hybrid oilseed rape. Hybrid rape KWS Domingos offers growers consistent, high-performance with a gross output of 105% and a full UK recommendation.
Oilseed rape product manager Rory Hannam says: “The variety combines Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) and pod shatter resistance alongside a strong overall disease resistance profile, including a 7 for light leaf spot and an 8 for phoma stem canker.
“OSR has faced a tough few years, growers need resilient varieties that help de-risk the crop and with KWS Domingos, we’ve focused on stacking traits to help growers get the most from their crops.”
KWS Domingos also stands out for its strong, vigorous growth habit particularly in the spring. The strong spring vigour is key in allowing the variety to build biomass rapidly making it more resilient to challenging spring conditions.
“KWS Domingos has also shown high and stable yields across three trialling years demonstrating its ability to cope with a range of growing conditions,” says Mr Hannam.