YORKSHIRE TRIALS SHOW ALCHEMY TO BE GROWERS’ PANACEA

Ardenfleets Farm, part of the Warter Priory Estate on the Yorkshire Wolds near York, is one of only four farms in the UK to be chosen by Nickerson to grow the first commercial crop of their new winter wheat Alchemy.

With six hectares in the ground for this year’s harvest, Yorkshire Arable Marketing (the Estate’s agronomists) and Nickerson hosted an open day at the farm on Monday, 11th July, allowing local farmers to see how well the crop was coming on. 

In addition to the six hectares of Alchemy, Yorkshire Arable Marketing and Nickerson are also conducting trials on 40 varieties in first and second wheat situations in both treated and untreated plots. Growers visiting the farm on Monday were also conducted round this site.

“If you look at the comparative disease levels of a variety like Alchemy it is clear to see that it’s a clean crop even in the untreated trials,” says Chris Rigley of Yorkshire Arable Marketing. “Standing on its own two feet - without any fungicide inputs in the untreated plots - its resistance to disease is remarkable.”

Even in the absence of disease Alchemy responds to fungicide input. “In trials last year we saw Alchemy jump to the top of the league with a sensible cost-effective fungicide input in the treated trials,” adds Mr Rigley

Bill Angus, Nickerson’s senior wheat breeder was also at the open day to show growers round the site. “Alchemy has a very good disease spectrum, and has performed well over the last two years in these trials,” he explains. “Now farmers are able to see the results of the variety on a commercial scale.”

This autumn Alchemy will account for around 4.5% of the UK winter wheat crop – which is unique for a variety not yet recommended.

“Alchemy seed has already sold out for this autumn, which is a reflection of farmers’ concerns over the reduced efficacy of both strobilurins and triazoles to control Septoria,” says Mr Angus. “Genetic disease resistance is now crucial”.

He adds that it is important that farmers move away from the ‘one variety fits all agronomic situations’ and instead look for specific varieties to solve particular problems.

The picture shows Bill Angus talking to local growers invited to Ardenfleets Farm, part of the Warter Priory Estate near York, by Yorkshire Arable Marketing. In the foreground is Nickerson’s new winter wheat, Alchemy.

For further information contact: Frank Curtis or Bill Angus on 01472 371471 or fcurtis@nickerson.co.uk or go to www.nickersonuk.com