Buy-back contracts are being offered to UK farmers who grow a German E-wheat which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

UK plant breeders say farmers will benefit from government plans allowing gene editing techniques to develop new crop varieties.

Growers can now use super-local weather indicators combined with disease forecasting to make more efficient fungicide applications.

Some 50,000ha of hybrid rye is expected to be harvested this year as wholecrop demand for biogas production continues to drive market growth.

Growers wanting to ensure effective disease control in the event of limited spraying opportunities this spring should identify fields to prioritise for treatment.

DSV Theodore is the only variety on the recommended list to get a 9 for septoria resistance, says the company’s Sarah Hawthorne

• High efficiency ‘breakthrough’ wheats
• Builds on RL-topping DSV Champion
• Big emphasis on disease resistance

Newly recommended high-yielding Group 4 hard wheat LG Typhoon will be available in time for autumn drilling.

Damage caused by stem-based diseases in oilseed rape must not be ignored, warn UK plant breeders.

A fully autonomous, solar-powered robot capable of precision drilling and weeding is selling well in the UK.