More hybrid rape grown in the UK

An in-depth annual survey of 400 oilseed rape growers that has been running for the past three years indicates an increased area of hybrid rape winter oilseed rape being grown this season. Independent Business Resource Limited (IBR-Ltd), the UK partner for The Kleffman Group, showed a significant increase in the market share of hybrids is up 5% from 27% to 32% of the area planted across the UK, with an even higher uptake in Scotland.

"The UK still has a way to go compared with other European countries, with the market share of hybrids in Germany being 71%.  Nevertheless the perceived characteristics of hybrid oilseed rape varieties of better establishment, more vigour and better overwintering capacity has certainly attracted rape growers in the UK, particularly where weather conditions are more challenging.  The farmer panel shows that the market share of hybrids in Scotland is 63% and North East 46%, well above the national average.  This enthusiasm for hybrids is linked to the adverse conditions the further north you go,” says Roger Pratchett of IBR-Ltd.

He also reports that the average seed rate has decreased from 4.06 kg/ha to 3.90 kg/ha.  “This reduction underlines move towards hybrids, which traditionally have been drilled at a lower seed rate.  Scotland which had the highest percentage of hybrids also had the lowest average seed rate 3.27kg/ha.”

The farmer survey also gave an indication of the total winter oilseed rape area in Great Britain for harvest 2011, which had increased to 651,000 ha. 
"Winter oilseed rape has become a key cash crop in the UK, with high commodity prices and the potential for excellent margins.  The crop is also a major break crop, allowing the use of herbicide with different modes of action to be used within the rotation,” says Roger.