produced for the local market. When they arrive, hybrid wheat varieties will
be accompanied by yield and grain-quality improvements over conventional wheat, stresses Mr Cottey, as well as greater consistency and the opportunity to include added-value traits. These traits will help hybrids cope with
environmental stresses, such as heat and drought tolerance or winter hardiness, but may also add herbicide tolerance and specific pest/disease resistances.
Global challenges It’s important to realise hybrid varieties will be part of the mix of genetic and chemical solutions future wheat production needs, as it faces a whole host of global challenges, from climate change to rising demand and competition from other crops, he says. “Hybrid wheat will allow farmers to be much smarter about what they do. “They will facilitate the strategic use of genetics on farm, which, together with improved agronomy and digital tools, will transform wheat growing,” says Mr Cottey. However, growers keen to take advantage of their development will have to be prepared to grow hybrid wheat varieties on suitable sites and in the right way, or they could be in for disappointment. “They are unlikely to be the answer to every
problem. Their best fit is expected to be where conditions are tough – whether that’s due to a later drilling date, the rotational position of the crop or site limitations, such as altitude.” In his view, the yield stability they offer will be just as important as the yield increase. “Production will become more reliable and
predictable in a wide range of environmental conditions,” adds Mr Cottey.
Seed production costs Higher seed costs will be offset by the yield increase, which Bayer anticipates will be between 3-10% for most growers. Grain quality is tipped to be better too, as hybrids have lower levels of fusarium due to their increased ear fertility. “The complicated seed-production system
means hybrid seed is more expensive,” he acknowledges. “But advances have been made and the genetically controlled sterility system is bringing the costs down, as well as giving a
HYBRID WHEAT AT A GLANCE
▶ New-generation hybrid wheats are expected in the early 2020s ▶Yield, quality, consistency and stability benefits over conventionally-bred wheats
▶ Opportunity to add traits such as heat, drought and herbicide tolerance and winter hardiness
▶ Best suited to tough growing conditions on more marginal sites
higher, more reliable seed yield.” Bill Angus of F1 Seed has been tasked with
developing high-yielding germplasm to feed into Bayer’s UK hybrid programme. He is using fast-track systems wherever possible and is concentrating on flowering biology, to enhance seed production. “Pollen transfer is essential. We are getting
wheats to throw out their anthers and become promiscuous. The females are receptive for eight to 10 days in UK conditions.” His breeding objectives include high yield
potential, resistance to septoria and orange wheat blossom midge and getting a strategy implemented for male plant development, as this has been a sticking point. To help with this, breeding processes have been speeded up, where possible. “Single seed descent is used routinely,
rather than double haploids, and we have out- of-season nurseries for spring or low- vernalisation types.”
Value-added traits in hybrid wheats will help plants cope with environmental stress such as heat, drought and harsh winters
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 9 NOVEMBER 2017
VII
TIM SCRIVENER
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