LG Beowulf remains a reliable, high-yielding Group 4 winter wheat for UK growers, provided crops are actively managed to prevent yellow rust.
The variety continues to deliver strong on-farm performance, combining high yield potential, stiff straw, good septoria resistance, excellent grain quality and OWBM resistance, says Ron Granger of Limagrain Field Seeds UK.
LG Beowulf’s key strength is its flexibility – and it is this that attracts growers around the country to the variety; it performs consistently across all UK regions and soil types, from light to heavy land, and can be drilled early, at normal timings or late. It is equally suited to first, second or continuous wheat situations.
While LG Beowulf, like many commercial varieties, is now susceptible to the newer yellow rust strain Yr15, careful monitoring and timely fungicide use will allow it to continue to perform at its best.
Early disease control is critical, with a robust, protective fungicide programme using a range of actives throughout the season. A T0, or even pre-T0, spray is recommended as a security measure, with tebuconazole providing a cost-effective option either alone or in combination. Where yellow rust is detected, rates should be increased to eradicate infection quickly.
With crops emerging from a mild winter carrying high biomass and reports of yellow rust already appearing in some fields, growers are urged to monitor crops closely, track weather conditions and make full use of spray windows to stay ahead of disease.
About The Author
Ron Granger
Arable Technical Manager
