Following a run of difficult, wet autumns and sub-optimal drilling conditions, growers could soon be offered a solution, in the form of new wheat variety, STR Pace.
Developed by crossing a winter and spring variety, Pace is coined a 'sprinter' wheat- boasting the benefits of early vigour and winter hardiness with a wide drilling window.
Agrovista's Ted Williams says the idea came about as a result of seeking a solution to overcome the impact of delayed drilling In blackgrass scenarios. "With winter wheat being planted increasingly later, some varieties have really struggled to make it through the wet winters we've been experiencing.
"There's also the added risk of not getting a crop in at all, should the conditions be unconducive to drilling. If seed remains in the shed until the next autumn, this not only affects cash-flow, but can also reduce germination rates," he explains.
Having observed work by a German breeder that crosses spring and winter wheat, this led to Agrovista trialling some of the new sprinter varieties in UK conditions. Ted says while initially there were issues with yellow rust, having finessed the trial process further, namely drilling dates, they started to see potential in Pace.
"Drilled later, it has huge potential due to its vigour, the earliest I'd drill this variety is 20 October. It can then be planted through to May," he states.
A Group 1 breadmaking variety, Pace recently joined the AHDB Recommended List as a spring wheat. Ted points out that its listed as a spring variety because winter varieties are September-drilled in RL trials, meaning Pace would be too forward.
"We know it does well, offering good quality, specific weight, and high yields, but is novel in that it has a wide drilling window. By choosing Pace, growers can plant the crop when it suits their situation."
Trials-wise, Agrovista's work has involved comparing Pace with RGT Skyfall, evaluating performance at different planting dates. Ted says drilled in late October, the two varieties are on a par, while in November, Pace seemed slightly ahead.
"Drilled on 3 March at 500 seeds/m2, Pace clearly yields well at this timing. But, the real difference is how quickly Pace develops through the season." Agrovista plans to officially launch Pace In 2026.