Yield is still top of hybrid oilseed rape wish-list

摘要

Higher gross output would be the key reason for growers to increase their hybrid oilseed rape area, according to a recent survey. Better tolerance to difficult seasons and more consistent performance came a close second and third with superior agronomics and ease of management also registering with a number of growers. The Dekalb-commissioned report was carried out on the Farmers Weekly website, FWi, in mid-April and captured the views of 230 oilseed rape growers, representing a cropping area of 15,000ha. Hybrid varieties accounted for around 40% of the group's 2008/09 cropping and most had some experience of growing hybrid varieties in the past three years. Hybrids with higher gross output ratings would tempt 70% of the group to consider increasing hybrid growing and 68% said they would be tempted by greater tolerance to difficult seasons, even if they offered no yield advantage. More consistent performance, also in the absence of higher yields, would tempt 61% of the survey group.