Syngenta UK has appointed experienced hybrid seed trait marketer, Mark Shaw, as portfolio manager responsible for marketing its expanding range of Hyvido hybrid winter barley varieties.

In particular, Mr Shaw will spearhead the introduction of a new phase for Hyvido hybrid barley – named Hyvido Neo.

Hyvido Neo builds on the well-established benefits of Hyvido, including high and consistent yields, strong grass weed suppression and resilience to different growing environments, says Mr Shaw, by introducing beneficial new traits.

The introduction of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistance in the new Hyvido hybrid, SY Kestrel, is the first example of Hyvido Neo, Mr Shaw explains, but other developments are in the pipeline.

“Syngenta has a proven track record of more than 20 years in successful hybrid barley breeding,” says Mr Shaw. “Over this time, multiple improvements have been introduced into Hyvido, including better disease resistance and clear steps forward in grain specific weight.

“Now, farmers face a new set of challenges in sustainability and other areas. As well as the BYDV challenge, we are also focused on other traits such as water use efficiency. I am delighted to be joining the Hyvido journey at this exciting time.”

During his career, Mr Shaw has gained extensive experience in hybrid technology and seed traits, having previously worked as a marketing manager for North West Europe for a hybrid oilseed rape breeder.

He also worked in the crop protection industry in area management, which included experience in seed and seed treatments, as well as in the agricultural biotechnology sector working on soil pre- and probiotics. His first role after graduating from agricultural college was in farm management, before qualifying as an agronomist with a distributor.

“I’d like to think my previous experience in seed and crop protection, coupled with my practical farming and agronomy experience, provides an excellent foundation for this exciting new Hyvido phase.”