challenges and on more marginal sites, where its greater resilience means it has performed very well. Benefits of hybrid vigour can be seen in


better-developed root systems, more even plant establishment, increased tillering, early maturity and greater resistance to stress and disease, as well as other attributes which come from the combination of characteristics, such as better standing ability, it claims. Seed rates can be reduced by 30%


compared with conventional varieties – offsetting the higher cost of the seed due to its complex production process. Countries tipped to be suitable for growing the new hybrid wheats include the UK, France,


Germany and other European states, as well as North America, Australia and New Zealand. Not surprisingly, there has been investment


in breeding stations and solutions in these areas, as the large life sciences companies get to grips with genetics and focus on the countries that will give them a return on their investment.


Getting ready France is expected to be the first European country to have Bayer’s new hybrid wheats, reveals the company’s Adrian Cottey, but others won’t be far behind. “Some parts of Europe will be just ahead of the UK,” he confirms.


“But we are developing varieties specifically


for the UK, selected in local growing conditions, rather than hoping that Continental wheats will work.” He anticipates it will be 2023-4 before they


are launched in the UK, which is the same time as Canada. Bayer has a network of seven breeding and


research facilities worldwide, all of which are working on hybrid wheat. Three are in the US, three are in Europe and one is in Australia – reflecting the locations where hybrid wheat has an obvious place. Each will be working with germplasm and


parent lines suited to the particular region, so the resulting varieties are


▶ FUTURE FARMING | 9 NOVEMBER 2017 ▶ V


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