Einstein has extended its lead as by far the most widely grown second wheat in the country over the past year, according to best available analysis of the market.

The figures – from detailed usage records of market-leading take-all seed treatment, Latitude  – show Einstein increasing its second wheat market share from 25% in 2004/5 to nearly 28% in the current season. As such, it now occupies a far larger certified and farm-saved seed area than the next most popular second wheats, Consort (9%) and Gladiator (8%) combined.

The popularity of both Einstein and Gladiator as second wheats appears to have grown noticeably in a season in which the second wheat area has fallen back to 400,000 ha, becoming concentrated on fewer, more specialist growers. Also showing a clear year-on-year growth in popularity is Solstice (7%).

Although still comparing very favourably with its 5% overall share of the UK certified seed market, Consort has seen its share of second wheat plantings fall back from the 15% recorded in 2004.  Napier has also seen a decline to the same 6% share as Hereward and Malacca.

The Latitude figures further highlight the least popular principal varieties as second wheats as Robigus, Claire and Istabraq, each claiming just 2% of plantings.

Commenting on the variety shares, David Leaper of Monsanto said: “With Latitude use now extending to over 30% of all second and subsequent wheat crops, our annual analysis of national usage provides the most reliable snapshot of current growing practice available.

“The increasing dominance of Einstein as a second wheat clearly shows growers are appreciating the need to select varieties carefully for this particular rotational slot. All the more so as this contrasts markedly with its current 13% share of the UK certified seed market.

“The ability of growers to identify the best second wheat varieties is confirmed by the poor showing of national wheat market leader, Robigus –  its 2% share of second wheat plantings contrasting with a 19% overall certified seed market share.

“Amongst more recent arrivals to the Recommended List, it’s not surprising Gladiator is attracting a growing second wheat following given the extent to which, like Einstein, it’s proving to be a bomb-proof variety,” added David Leaper.

“The relative popularity of Solstice, Malacca and Hereward compared to their share of the UK certified seed market almost certainly reflects the greater likelihood of achieving full bread-making specifications at the lower yield levels involved rather than any particular second wheat strengths.”

Leading UK Variety Market Shares (2005)

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