SOME winter wheat varieties are over three times as consistent as others in their annual yielding ability, providing UK growers with major opportunities to minimise their production risk under today’s increasingly variable climatic conditions. This is the view of independent variety consultant, Richard Fenwick, following a detailed analysis of official Recommended List trials variety performance over the past five years. His analysis shows the 19 varieties in official trials from 2002 to 2006 averaged just over 10.3 t/ha, with a 4.7% year-to-year variation. In four varieties, however, annual yields varied by less than 3%, while five showed yield variations of more than 6% over the years and two more than 9%. “A 9% variation around an average yield of 10.3 t/ha means a difference of almost a tonne per hectare between the best and worst years,” points out Mr Fenwick. “On the other hand, a 3% variation means a difference of little more than 300kg. “That’s a substantial advantage well worth bearing in mind in variety selection; all the more so because yield variations under commercial conditions are invariably far greater than those in tightly-controlled trials.” Mr Fenwick’s analysis highlighted similar consistency differences in more recently listed varieties, although he stressed that limited data (only three years in some cases) means the results should be treated with caution. In particular, Mascot, Timber, Hyperion, Battalion and Humber appear notably more consistent than the average, while Gatsby, Alchemy and Oakley seem clearly less so. He said: “Growers keep telling me how important consistent performance is to them. “And, with the very much more variable seasons we appear to be having with global warming, it’s likely to become increasingly significant. “Of course, there’s no substitute for commercial farm experience as far as consistency is concerned. But with up-and-coming varieties the official trials data can be a useful guide, especially since they appear to be so well in line with commercial experience. “Consort attracted such a following over so many years for its consistency, as is Gladiator today. Equally, Soissons has long been known for its relatively good performance in dry seasons and poor performance under more typical English conditions. “Soissons’ southern European breeding, with maturity linked to temperature rather than day length, almost certainly accounts for its variability in our latitudes,” said Mr Fenwick. “But I’m at a loss to fully account for differences between other UK-bred varieties. “It may well have something to do with agronomic packages with relatively few individual weaknesses, rather than particular strengths in some traits accompanied by relative weaknesses in others – Robigus and Alchemy being possible cases in point. “Alternatively, it could be linked to the depth and thoroughness of the breeding programme – some breeders definitely producing more than their fair share of consistent varieties. But whatever the reason, if a consistently high yield is what you want I’d strongly advise you to go for varieties with both a high average yield rating and a low annual variation around it. “Amongst today’s contenders, in order of consistency I’d pick out Gladiator, Ambrosia, Glasgow and Einstein. At the same time, I’d keep a close eye on Timber, Battalion and Humber.” | 
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