New High Output OSR Ideal for Intensive English Regimes
30/11/06

English oilseed rape growers will be able to take a step forward in maximising output in ever-shorter rotations in the coming season with the official recommendation of a new high output variety boasting best-ever disease resistance ratings.

Joining the HGCA 2007/8 Recommended List this week (Thursday November 30), Excel combines gross output at the highest level with the first-ever total stem canker resistance rating (9) in a double low variety together with a light leaf spot resistance score of 6.

“The second UK variety to emerge from our leading European OGURA restored hybrid breeding system, Excel complements sister next generation variety, Excalibur which has risen to dominate the hybrid market in its first year of recommendation,” explains breeder, Matthew Clarke of Monsanto.

“It shares the highest UK treated RL yield rating with three other varieties and the top southern region merit rating with one other, while topping all varieties in gross output in the most recent TAG trials, slightly out-performing even Excalibur and Castille.

“What really sets Excel apart, though, is its best-ever all-round oilseed rape disease package,” he stresses. “This makes it a particularly exciting prospect for English growers seeking the greatest rewards from intensive, high output regimes.”

Excel has a traditional hybrid growth habit similar to Toccata and Disco, so responds particularly well to careful crop nutrition and plant growth regulation. It matures at the same familiar time as Winner to
provide a good spread of harvest with earlier varieties like Excalibur and Castille.

As a hybrid, Matthew Clarke adds that it demonstrates excellent late autumn and spring vigour to ensure the best possible establishment regardless of conditions, and benefits from sowing at much lower seed rates than conventionally-bred varieties.

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