RGT Guardsman represents a significant landmark in the development of the BYDV resistance trait, says RAGT’s Andrew Creasy.

Yielding 102.8 on the new AHDB Recommended List, it presents the first BYDV-resistant wheat to yield greater than 100% of the controls, effectively closing the yield gap.

“BYDV resistance is a trait that many farmers are interested in, especially in mild autumns like we have had this year,” adds Andrew. “Having a variety that protects against the virus without compromising yield potential is a huge step forward.”

“Guardsman is the culmination of the first generation of varieties with BYDV resistance. Reaching over 100% yield was our main breeding target for this pipeline of material.”

Disease resistance

Guardsman is rated 8 for yellow rust resistance and 6 for brown rust and septoria, providing good all-around protection against foliar disease. Andrew highlights that it doesn’t have the YR15 yellow rust resistance gene, meaning it’s unaffected by this spring’s population change.

Agrii’s seed technical manager, John Miles, believes Guardsman has a ‘decent’ all-round agronomic package, however, its standing will have to be managed with a good PGR programme, especially in early drilling situations.

“Guardsman is by far the best BYDV-resistant wheat variety that we’ve seen to date,” he says. “BYDV resistance remains an important trait, and it’s good to see it combined with a yield most farmers will view as acceptable. 

“There have been a lot of aphids in crops in certain areas this autumn. If farmers notice BYDV in their fields this spring, they should take note. It highlights a background level of infection that becomes visible in a year with earlier drilling and mild conditions,” concludes John.


OSR addition

Clubroot-resistant OSR variety Crios is also joining the RL from RAGT, listed for the North. With a yield of 97 and a 6 for light leaf spot, it has the characteristics farmers in northern England and Scotland with known clubroot issues are looking for, suggests Andrew.

“It yields well above the average for a clubroot-resistant variety and is just behind the market leader. Crios is early to flower, providing ample opportunity for the crop to set pods right through the canopy in the spring, pushing yields.

“This is combined with a 5 for maturity, meaning it doesn’t finish too quickly, ensuring a decent pod fill. It has the growth characteristics to be a big-yielding clubroot variety.”