BYDV resistance – a ‘massively important’ breakthrough
BYDV pressure may not be as high in TAG agronomist Jon Bellamy’s area as some of the coastal hot spots across southern England, but he is taking no chances with the potentially devastating disease.
The less favourable topography and climate of Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire, together with the move to later drilling to combat blackgrass, reduces the risk of aphid migration into wheat crops but doesn’t remove it. Many crops will need one spray in a typical season.
Indeed, in a mild autumn/early winter almost any cereal-growing area in the UK can suffer damaging infections, and this is exacerbated in areas where early drilling remains the norm, where two or more sprays may be required in some years.
“Severe outbreaks of BYDV can result in large yield losses, but low-level damage can also leach profits,” says Jon. “With so much at stake, it is not surprising that we see an element of insurance spraying to control this virus.
“We are talking big money in terms of investment and there is a lot at risk. Getting hit by BYDV in the spring after spending thousands of pounds on crop establishment and inputs is disastrous.
“This autumn we were getting catches quite late, so it would have been easy to talk oneself into having to spray a second spray this autumn. Whether that would have been the right thing to do remains to be seen.”
Jon always discusses BYDV with his clients every year in some detail. “Most are well informed, but some people have become a bit blasé about it.
“We’ve had neonicotinoid seed dressings for years that gave us good control, and more recently later drilling because of blackgrass has helped, and people have got away with it.
“This winter has probably been cold enough to help us out, and perhaps some growers have been quite lucky in that respect. The trouble with BYDV is you don’t know until it’s too late.”
There are plenty of apps and decision support systems available but these only indicate whether the season is high or low risk.
“They will all inform you when T-sum 170 is reached, when the second generation of aphids is likely to be present,” says Jon.
“It is still up to the grower or their agronomists to check crops for aphids and decide whether to spray or not, it is really difficult and time consuming to inspect fields for aphids and be 100% confident there are none there, so we are back to square one.”
Genetics – the other way
While control of BYDV may appear fairly straightforward, agronomists hate using insecticides, says Jon. “It’s not just us, no farmers want to use an insecticide unless they absolutely have to.
“The first point when giving advice as a BASIS qualified agronomists is to ask whether you need the spray in the first place, or can you do it some other way.
“BYDV resistance in wheat opens the door to another way. It is massively important, not only in terms of management but from an environmental point of view.”
He believes sprays are often applied unnecessarily, not just because they are used as insurance but because probably only 25% of the aphid population is carrying BYDV.
“Spraying crops when there is no need is a real waste of energy, as is making and transporting the plant protection products required for the job,” says Jon.
“And it exposes beneficials and other non-target species to the insecticide, which no-one wants to do.”
Over-exposure of aphid vectors to pyrethroids, the main group of insecticides available to control the aphid vectors, also increases the likelihood of declining efficacy and eventual resistance, he believes. “It is widespread in grain aphids, and there are indications of resistance in bird cherry-oat aphids in Ireland.”
The £45/ha recently made available under stewardship for keeping areas of the farm insecticide free fits well with BYDV-resistant varieties. “I think this is good money and could be quite important,” says Jon. “Some growers might want to use BYDV-resistant varieties to help secure this payment, especially if end users get on board.”
Resistant varieties are a “huge step forward”, Jon concludes. “Everyone I speak in the industry is saying what a great trait to have coming along.
“I can’t wait until we have many more BYDV-resistant varieties. It will be such a help in managing our wheat crops, and so much more efficient too.”
Share this post by:
Wheat yields down and quality compromised – but no complaints
RAGT Growers Club member Matt Fuller reviews the 2023 season and the effect it had on quality wheat production at Heathcote Manor Farms, Bedfordshire.
New arable technical manager to underpin RAGT’s variety knowledge transfer
RAGT Seeds UK has appointed Andrew Creasy as arable technical manager to develop and manage the company’s commercial trial network and provide technical support to assist seed placement and market segmentation.
Early drilling and better ground suit Oxfordshire-grown milling wheats
A curate’s egg is how Oxfordshire grower Adrian Taylor describes his 2024 wheat harvest at Clattercote Priory Farm near Claydon.
PRESS RELEASE – Rodez and Maisons-Laffitte, France – 3rd September 2024
Agreement reached on the acquisition of Deleplanque, Strube and van Waveren by RAGT Semences
Yorks farmer quadruples area of RGT Grouse
Stephen Mason is quadrupling the area of RGT Grouse winter wheat this autumn on the family’s North Yorkshire farming operation.
Now is the time to try RGT Grouse
Nigel Britland, Wynnstay’s national arable sales manager, is advising growers to try some RGT Grouse to see how the resistance trait fits into their management systems.
Thumbs up for RGT Goldfinch after a very difficult season
Despite one of the most testing seasons for years, RAGT seed growers have reported some very positive experiences with RGT Goldfinch, the first potential breadmaking variety from RAGT’s Genserus (BYDV resistant) wheat programme.
Good quality grain and plenty of it – RGT Grouse overcomes the odds in Suffolk
RGT Grouse has come through a tough test this season for Suffolk-based grower Frank Stennett, delivering very good quality and yields.
RGT Grouse impresses in the second wheat slot
Growing RGT Grouse as a second wheat was a good move for Norfolk grower Will More.
RGT Kanzzas tops Dorset OSR trial for yield and LLS resistance
RGT Kanzzas has topped Agrii’s Dorset oilseed rape trials for yield, scoring 115.4% of controls (3.95t/ha), almost three percentage points ahead of its nearest rival.
Switch to BYDV-resistant wheat RGT Grouse pays off for Suffolk grower
After a five-year battle against barley yellow dwarf virus, Michael Gooderham believes he has found a permanent solution by employing genetics rather than unreliable insecticide sprays to control the disease in wheat.
RGT Ceos – game-changing traits in a different genetic background
RGT Ceos, RAGT’s latest oilseed rape variety to hit the market, will be available to a few lucky growers this season as seed merchants assess the variety for themselves ahead of its planned commercial launch in autumn 2025.
Skyfall – a wheat for all seasons
Skyfall will continue its long run at The Grange this autumn, the thirteenth year in a row it has featured in the farm’s wheat area.
‘Awesome’ performance – new quality wheat RGT Goldfinch delivers the goods in Northants
“A real step forward. Awesome is the only way to describe it.” Northamptonshire grower Andrew Pitts’ first experience with new quality wheat RGT Goldfinch has, to say the least, gone very well.
RGT Blackmoon lives up to its promise in Norfolk
A groundbreaking new oilseed rape variety emerging from RAGT’s revamped breeding programme has more than matched expectations in trials carried out by CMG Agronomy in Norfolk.
Podium performances continue for RGT Kanzzas in Agrii trials
RGT Kanzzas has continued its very impressive performance in Agrii’s National Variety Trials for oilseed rape this season, scoring 118% of controls at the company’s Bridgend site in South Wales.
Genserus wheats lead the way in BYDV trials
RAGT’s two BYDV-resistant wheats that are available to sow this autumn have topped the milling and feed categories for yield in the first results from the company’s UK-wide BYDV matrix trials.
RGT Blackmoon – strong early vigour to suit the late-drilling slot
Gets going and never looks back. That’s how RAGT describes its new OSR variety RGT Blackmoon, which is available for commercial sowing for the first time this summer.
RGT Kanzzas – outstanding vigour and LLS resistance to the fore in Agrii’s OSR trials
Powerful spring vigour and excellent light leaf spot resistance are two key reasons why Agrii has chosen RGT Kanzzas as one of its main oilseed rape varieties for this coming season.
Demo Field tour part 4 – New milling wheat & promising wheat pipeline
We joined managing director Lee Bennett on one of his many tours, which illustrated the broad range of research on show and, of course, some of the most promising varieties emerging from RAGT’s advanced breeding programmes. Here are some of the highlights.
Demo Field tour part 3 – Alternative Cereals & Late drilled wheat
We joined managing director Lee Bennett on one of his many tours, which illustrated the broad range of research on show and, of course, some of the most promising varieties emerging from RAGT’s advanced breeding programmes. Here are some of the highlights.
Demo Field tour part 2 – Searching for new BYDV resistance
We joined managing director Lee Bennett on one of his many tours, which illustrated the broad range of research on show and, of course, some of the most promising varieties emerging from RAGT’s advanced breeding programmes. Here are some of the highlights.
Demo Field tour part 1 – Broad-ranging research and innovative new varieties on show!
RAGT Seeds’ demonstration site at Ickleton in Cambridgeshire has been hosting visitors from across the crop sector over the past few weeks, providing a fascinating insight into the company’s innovative work.
Insecticide-free bread-making wheat – without the risk
The first high quality wheat with breadmaking potential that is resistant to barley yellow dwarf virus and orange wheat blossom midge will be available to UK farmers in commercial quantities this coming autumn.
Our demo field open days have started – discover here what we’re showing during those days!
Growers, merchants and end users will be able to get up close to some of the most innovative developments emerging from RAGT Seeds’ breeding programmes when the company’s open days return this summer.
RAGT highlights the latest BYDV-resistant wheats at Cereals 2024
BYDV-resistant wheats will take centre stage on RAGT Seeds’ stand at Cereals 2024, backed up by a strong showing of conventional wheats, barleys, oats and triticale and the latest varieties from the company’s revamped oilseed rape breeding programme.
Insecticide-free bread-making wheat – without the risk – RGT Goldfinch
RGT Goldfinch, the latest Genserus (BYDV-resistant) wheat from RAGT, is the first high quality wheat with breadmaking potential to feature resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus, a potentially highly damaging disease.
Cereals : new varieties to discover !
RAGT is back at Cereals this year again and have a lot to show there. As well as all the commercial varieties that you probably already know, you'll be able to see some very new varieties, and here is a little description of them.
Top OSR picks for this coming autumn and beyond part 2
RAGT Seeds is on the verge of delivering some outstanding oilseed rape varieties, thanks to its decision to reset its breeding programme a few years ago. New material available for sowing this autumn covers a range of growth habits, traits and agronomic features, and there are also some very promising varieties in development.
Making more of SFI opportunities, winter wheat variety demonstration, and new look AD crops
Growers, merchants and end users will be able to get up close to some of the most innovative developments emerging from RAGT Seeds’ breeding programmes when the company’s open days return this summer. Over the next two newsletters, we’ll be highlighting some of this work. This month’s article kicks off with a look at a topic that has become particularly pertinent in recent months.
Genserus BYDV resistance – a must-have trait in winter wheat, say trials partners
RAGT has established a comprehensive set of trials across the southern half of England and Ireland to assess the true impact of barley yellow dwarf virus on a range of winter wheat varieties. In this article, two partners managing some of the 18 sites in England and Ireland explain why they have been keen to get involved in the trials, which are comparing the performance of several of RAGT’s BYDV-resistant Genserus varieties against a range of popular commercial wheats.
“Mauling in spring crops is not the best approach” – we catch up with Rutland grower Marcus Struthers
We recently caught up with Marcus Struthers, arable manager on a large in-hand and contract-farming operation on the Rutland Leicestershire border.
“It’s the best decision I’ve made financially this year” – we catch up with Yorkshire grower Andrew Cawood
We know how our varieties perform in trial but what’s even more important is how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in. We recently caught up with Andrew Cawood, who farms 240ha of owned land near South Milford.
Top OSR picks for this coming autumn and beyond
RAGT has a clutch of new oilseed rape varieties that will be available for sowing this autumn, covering a range of growth habits, traits and agronomic features. Over the next two newsletters, RAGT UK’s managing director Lee Bennett looks at what’s on offer and previews some promising material coming through the pipeline.
Trials demonstrate value of BYDV resistance in winter wheat
Here at RAGT Seeds UK, we’ve been running trials to assess the effects of barley yellow dwarf virus on a range of winter wheats at our breeding station at Ickleton, near Cambridge.
“On the whole we’ve been very lucky” – we catch up with Cambridgeshire grower Sam Morris
We know how our varieties perform in trial but what’s even more important is how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in. We recently spoke to Sam Morris, who farms in the southwest corner of Cambridgeshire.
RGT Pixxon – gaining a reputation for resilience
RGT Pixxon is gaining a reputation as a resilient maize variety that suits a range of different sites and soils, thanks to robust agronomics and very good standing power that help deliver plenty of highly digestible quality forage.
Ultra-early maize RGT Buxxton – “a great break crop in the making”
RAGT’s pipeline of new maize material includes a new ultra-early variety that is undergoing first commercial sowings this spring ready for a full launch in time for the 2025 season.
“We might not make a lot, but we’ll make something” – we catch up with Lincolnshire grower Ian Willox
We know how our varieties perform in trial but what’s even more important is how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in. We recently chatted with Ian Willox, who farms with his son James a few feet above sea level near Lincoln.
New approach to companion cropping underpins OSR agronomy
A new and unique companion crop approach that helps protect oilseed rape crops from two significant insect pests whilst offering valuable SFI payments will be available for next season’s sowing campaign.
New trials network aims to reveal true impact of BYDV on wheat
RAGT has established a comprehensive set of trials across the southern half of England and Ireland to assess the true impact of barley yellow dwarf virus on a range of wheat varieties.
“Autumn sowing completed on time” – we catch up with North Yorkshire grower Stephen Mason
We know how our varieties perform in trials but what’s even more important is how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in.
Skyfall – the winter wheat with the widest drilling window
Winter wheat growers who still have seed sitting in the shed will be looking anxiously at the weather forecast over the next few weeks for a suitable drilling window.
“Making the best of it” – we catch up with Lincolnshire grower Rob Ramsay
We know how our varieties perform in trial but what’s even more important is how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in. We recently caught up with Lincolnshire grower Rob Ramsay, who farms in the Trent valley.
RGT Pixxon helps drive efficient milk production in Gloucestershire
A low-risk, high-yielding forage management strategy, backed by a pioneering breeding programme, is driving efficient milk production on one Gloucestershire dairy farm.
RGT Planet – a rock-solid choice for spring barley growers
Spring barley varieties are in high demand as many growers look to cover the shortfall of winter cropping after three months of wet weather brought drilling programmes to an abrupt halt across the many parts of the country.
“Twice as much Planet as planned” – we catch up with Lincolnshire grower Gavin Bowser
We know how our varieties perform in trials but what’s even more important is how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in. We recently caught up with Gavin Bowser, who farms near the Lincolnshire coast.
RAGT – putting science behind cover crop varieties
When it comes to growing cash crops, most farmers will spend plenty of time choosing the right varieties with traits that suit a farm’s physical and management characteristics.
RAGT Seeds appoints new commercial development agronomist
RAGT Seeds UK has appointed Camille Florin as commercial development agronomist to provide technical support for the company’s forage, cover crop and amenity seed portfolios.
New hard wheat for lighter soils and drought-prone land
Introduces unique Septoria resistance to the UK
This month we catch up with Yorkshire farmer Phil Meadley
We know how our varieties perform in trials but it’s even more important to see how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in.
This month we catch up with Bedfordshire arable operator Matt Fuller
We know how our varieties perform in trials but it’s even more important to see how they perform on farm, and that’s where our Growers Club comes in.
Discover and discuss BYDV-resistant wheat at CropTec
RAGT is highlighting the potential of its latest BYDV-resistant winter wheats at this year’s CropTec Show, which takes place at NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire at the end of November.
Tall Fescue : what are the advantages ?
Tall fescue is not widely used in grass seed mixtures on UK farms, but new, highly palatable varieties with improved agronomic characteristics could change that.
Time to consider BYDV-resistant wheat as aphid threat increases
Numbers of aphid vectors that transmit barley yellow dwarf virus are significantly higher than this time last year and are building rapidly, increasing the chances of an epidemic of the disease if mild weather continues.
BYDV resistant wheat – putting trust in new technology
Last season was the worst for barley yellow dwarf virus that David Huish has seen. As well as the usual problem areas, it appeared in new locations not usually associated with the disease.
Tough test for RGT Grouse in Suffolk
Frank Stennett admits he did just about everything wrong when establishing his 35ha crop of RGT Grouse for seed at Genevieve Farms near Bury St Edmunds last autumn.
Successful debut for RGT Grouse in Norfolk
Norfolk grower Will More believes BYDV-resistant wheat varieties could play an important role at Manor Farm, Tunstall near Great Yarmouth in the future, following an impressive debut from his seed crop of RGT Grouse last season.
Good prospects for BYDV-resistant wheats in the South West
Growers in the south west, the main hotspot for barley yellow dwarf virus in the country, could have much to gain from BYDV-resistant wheats, says agronomist Neil Potts of Exeter-based Matford Arable Systems.
Time to give BYDV-resistant wheats a try
Last season was something of a wake-up call for many wheat growers when it comes to barley yellow dwarf virus.
RGT Bairstow doing well ‘in every situation’
Ken Goodger is very satisfied with his wheat harvest at Pates Farm, near Welney, Norfolk, which he completed on 22 August.
Cutting whenever possible paid dividends with milling wheat quality
Adrian Taylor pushed on with milling wheat harvest at Clattercote Priory Farm, Claydon, Oxfordshire, where possible during the changeable weather conditions earlier in August.
RGT Kanzzas tops the trials tables
RGT Kanzzas has soared towards the top of the league table in Agrii trials !
RGT Lantern
Second wheats are yielding well, with RGT Lantern achieving pleasing quality and looking good in the field.
RGT Bairstow standing strong
Second wheats have produced some surprisingly good results, with RGT Bairstow standing strong despite the weather, and farm trials looking promising.
RGT Planet weathers well
Sam has grown RGT Planet for several years and it always does pretty well. “The past couple of years it’s been really good. I’ve always liked it as a variety – it always makes the spec. As long as maltsters want it, we’ll keep growing it.”
Skyfall keeps on delivering
The wet weather is causing many farmers headaches this year, but those with RGT Skyfall are happy with its consistent performance in a wide range of growing conditions.
New arable products manager for RAGT
RAGT Seeds UK has appointed Jack Holgate as arable products manager to further raise the profile of the company’s fast developing and diverse combinable crops portfolio.
Setting new standards in oilseed rape
RAGT’s innovative oilseed rape breeding programme is nothing if not ambitious, targeting a wide range of traits that, if successfully developed, will set new standards in OSR variety choice.
RAGT’s game-changing oilseed rapes on test and on sale this autumn
RAGT is testing several new oilseed rape varieties packed with key traits that will improve crop reliability at five sites in the UK this autumn.
BYDV-resistant wheats find favour in Lincolnshire
Varietal resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus has already proved itself at Croft Marsh, Skegness, Lincolnshire, where Gavin Bowser manages 1000ha of winter and spring combinable cropping.
RGT Illustrious – a true breadwinner in a surprisingly good harvest
RGT Illustrious is seeing a resurgence in popularity among some milling wheat growers, something which comes as no surprise to Cambridgeshire farmer Luke Palmer, who has been growing the variety for eight years.
RGT Lantern, specialist second wheat with first-wheat yields
RGT Lantern might be best known for its excellent second wheat performance, but it’s no slouch as a first wheat eit
‘Super season’ for RGT Rashid
First wheat RGT Rashid following spring barley after potatoes has produced one of the best wheat crops of the season at A & S M Cawood’s Burley House Farm, South Milford, North Yorkshire.
RGT Illustrious’ surprising yield prompts management tweaks
A first-time crop of RAGT’s high quality Group 1 wheat RGT Illustrious has produced an exceptional yield on heavy clay soils in at Heathcote Farms, Bedfordshire, securing a much-increased area of the variety for this coming season.
RGT Wolverine – simplifying crop management and delivering top yields
Growing the only winter wheat available in Europe with resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) has turned out to be a good move for farm manager Gavin Bowser, who looks after 1000ha of mainly arable cropping at Croft Marsh, Skegness, Lincolnshire.
Norfolk success for the late-drilled wheat RGT Saki
Late-drilled wheats have had a strong year on silt and skirt fen at Pates Farm near Welney, Norfolk, none more so than RGT Saki.
Genserus wheats – the modern solution to BYDV control
Here at RAGT, we are rather proud of our new Genserus range of wheats.
BYDV resistance – a ‘massively important’ breakthrough
Insecticides are currently the main method of controlling the spread of barley yellow dwarf virus in wheat, but hopefully that is about to change, says one well-known agronomist.
