• High performing premium sector wheat • Group 1 variety has excellent agronomics • Superb combination of yield and protein A high protein wheat is catching the interest of growers and millers alike, with a yield of 98% of controls on the latest Recommended List. With a milling specification... Read more
Wireworm risk should be routinely assessed ahead of potato planting to combat the increased threat of pest damage to crops, say experts. Historically associated with grassland rotations in south-west England, changing farm practices and climatic conditions have seen a continuous creep of the soil-borne pest to other regions in... Read more
Threat more prevalent this season Changing rotations and reduced tillage could explain why a key disease is becoming more prevalent and damaging in potato crops. Potato growers need to be alert to the threat of Rhizoctonia solani this spring – especially farms moving less soil between crops. Reduced tillage... Read more
Careful crop management required Prospects remain good for sugar beet – despite an 18% price reduction. But careful crop management is needed, say advisers. Three pricing options were available to beet growers for the 2025/26 crop – a fixed price of £33/t for up to 70% of contract; a... Read more
New varieties extend choice for growers
Root Crop 03/04/2025
Six new varieties have been added to the 2026 sugar beet list – with more traits to choose from when growing the crop. The 2026 list includes more varieties with in-built tolerance to pests and disease. That said, the number of available varieties has increased by just one to... Read more
Biosolution benefits backed by research
Arable 03/04/2025
• Early use delivers biggest benefits • Integration with regular agronomy • Clear health and resilience benefits Including biosolutions in conventional crop management programmes is helping to boost plant health and resilience. “There’s clear evidence emerging from our trials that using biosolutions early in a fungicide programme is where... Read more
Yield is king again for latest wheats
Arable 03/04/2025
Output and gross margin are priorities for breeder Cereal genetics that maximise productivity are becoming increasingly important for plant breeders keen to help growers boost profitability. Recent years have seen enhanced functionality added to crop options but high yields are also a priority – and the latest KWS varieties... Read more
Expert view Dick Neale gives his advice on how to manage cover crop desiccation in a wet season. Excessively wet soils this year are more likely to be dried by the presence of cover crops than kept wetter. But sun and wind must be allowed to reach the soil... Read more
Scientists have mapped the genome sequence of a wild wheat relative –shedding light on its genetic diversity and potential use in breeding programmes. Published in Scientific Data, the research contributes to a growing body of research aimed at safeguarding global wheat production in the face of climate change and... Read more
‘Good for business and environment’ Fertiliser manufacturers say it still pays to apply urea – despite rules which mean it must be specially treated to reduce ammonia emissions. Restrictions which came into force last year mean urea spread after 1 April must be treated with a urease inhibitor. Audited... Read more