Whilst drilling conditions remain difficult across many areas of the country, it is important that growers are able to access the most up to date information and support on relevant sowing information from the variety breeders, reminds Ron Granger of Limagrain.

“As breeders we have trialled the varieties across a range of conditions for many years before recommendation, so we are in the best position to understand how a certain variety develops and how it will respond to particular climatic challenges. It is only by giving the crop the best start that it is possible to realise the full genetic potential locked up in the seed.”

“At Limagrain we collate all of this information and use it to produce our individual Husbandry Guides, and I urge growers to re-visit these if they are drilling any of our varieties in these difficult conditions. The Guides contain crucial information covering sowing dates and seed rates – and most pertinent – seed rate adjustments for drilling in difficult conditions. This season, we are seeing variability in TGW’s so we would recommend that the seed label is checked first when calculating seed rates. It’s also important to consider that in these conditions germination and vigour will be low, reinforcing the need for a robust seed treatment this season.”

“For example when drilling the Group I wheat Crusoe, the Husbandry Guide offers information on recommended seed rates when drilling where establishment is likely to be good. However under less favourable conditions rates should be increased by 40- 50 seeds/m2 to allow for losses during establishment, and also recommends adjustments to the rate when drilling is later.”

“It is also useful to understand how a particular variety will develop in the spring in terms of its growth habit and primordial development to understand how to best manage the crop agronomically as we move into the spring, and this information is also available in the Guides.”

To access the full range of Limagrain variety Husbandry Guides go to www.limagrain.co.uk