Elgar and Belgrade recommended by the AHDB

Two new early maturing high yielding varieties have been recommended by the AHDB, continuing the impressive growth of Elsoms Seeds Agricultural Business. Elgar Winter Oilseed Rape, and Belgrade Winter Wheat from Saaten Union, have both been recommended for the East / West Region by the AHDB.

Developed by Elsoms Oilseed Rape breeder, Mark Nightingale, Elgar, has the highest gross out put on the list at 111 % of control, compared to new hybrids Windoz and Wembley at 109 and established varieties such as Charger at 106 and Picto and Campus at 105. “As well as having a stunning output, Elgar has particularly impressed farmers and advisors due to its early maturity, short, stiff straw and with scores of 7 for light leaf spot and 6 for stem canker, an excellent all-round resistance to disease,” said Mark. “Elgar sold out rapidly this year when it was candidate variety and we have already had very strong interest in Elgar from farmers, merchants and agronomists for planting next year,” commented Adrian Hayler, Head of Elsoms Agricultural Division.”

“Belgrade is a high yielding, early maturing Group 4 hard wheat that has produced impressive yields in first and second wheat situations in the East / West region and has good resistance to yellow rust, septoria, mildew and fusarium,” said Adrian. Bred by Sejet in Denmark, Belgrade was selected for the UK by Dr Richard Jennaway, Saaten Union’s UK Technical Director, and trialled and developed at Saaten Union’s Research Station in Suffolk. “Belgrade is a strong tilering, rapidly developing variety whose earliness of maturity provides farmers with the opportunity to structure their harvest period, also making it an ideal variety for preceding oilseed rape,” said Richard. “As we have developed the variety over the last few years we have been impressed by its robust nature, consistently delivering strong results in or trials,” added Richard.