Genserus

Genserus

82% OF UK WHEAT AREA COULD BE AFFECTED BY BYDV*, AND WE HAVE THE GENETIC SOLUTIONS

The BDV2 resistance trait offers protection from the day the wheat is planted to the day it is harvested, for the same cost of a single pyrethroid spray. Resistance greatly simplifies crop management, removing the need to monitor and control aphid populations with foliar-applied insecticide sprays while benefitting the environment.

BYDV resistance, think Genserus think RAGT.

 

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is a serious disease in wheat, with plant infection occurring after about 30 mins of aphid feeding. The earlier the infection the worse the yield impact with yield losses on untreated crops as high as 60%. It is estimated each year, 82% of the UK crop area could be affected by BYDV if left untreated, which would cost the industry an average of £136 million a year.*

• Since the ban of Neonicotinoids, growers have no way of fully protecting their crops

• The main vector of BYDV in the south and west of the UK is Bird Cherry Aphid

 

*Source : UK Pests – Cost to Agriculture – HGCA Research Review No. 70

Our solution

Genserus varieties give growers the ability to control BYDV in their wheat varieties using genetic resistance instead of insecticide sprays.

This new technology gives alternative control that protects both operator and environment without compromising efficacy.

Bdv2, a trait in winter wheat that gives protection to the crop 24/7, all season long. BYDV resistance works in wheat by reducing viral replication within the plant .

Our Advantages

Your Benefits

Our expertise for your best

The BDV2 gene has been successfully used in Australia, New Zealand and US. RAGT is the only breeder to have launched the BDV2 gene in Europe and the UK, enabling farmers to control BYDV without the use of insecticide sprays.

The project to enable the introgression of the gene into commercially adapted  European varieties has been running for over 20 years.

This has become more relevant since neonicotinoid seed treatments have been banned, further reducing possible methods of control.

This is why it is a key cornerstone of RAGT’s breeding program delivering genetic solutions for UK and European farmers.

Varieties available with this solution

RGT Goldfinch

The UK’s first insecticide-free bread making wheat

RGT GROUSE

The on-farm genetic solution to BYDV.

RGT WOLVERINE

"Give BYDV a chance and you can rip up your yield forecast"