Only winter barley varieties resistant to Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) will be included in future Goldcrop pilot programmes.
The company is also looking into the possibility of evaluating tolerant winter wheat varieties, one of which is already undergoing scrutiny and has been submitted for initial assessment by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
These issues were discussed at a Goldcrop open evening held at the company’s trial site, near Dunleer in Co Louth on Monday (June 8).
It is worth noting that the company is currently evaluating barley varieties that are tolerant to BYDV thanks to genetics sourced from both the UK and mainland Europe.
Goldgroup Agricultural Engineer, John Dunn“BYDV tolerance is the future,” he commented.
“Yes, tolerant varieties will show symptoms of the disease. We have seen that in recent months.
“But the varieties in question are bred so that they do not suffer as much as those without the tolerance.
“I’ve seen BYDV kill barley and wheat varieties that are not tolerant to the disease.”
According to Dunn, tolerance to BYDV is driven by a combination of two factors: major genes and accessory genes, called quantitative trait loci.
He added: “It is also a fact that some BYDV tolerant varieties are more tolerant than others.
“But our fall has become milder, which increases the threat levels posed by BYDV.”
French plant breeders were the first to commit to the commercial development of BYDV tolerant winter barley.
That is why the first options introduced on the market were six-row varieties: reflecting the French commitment to this type of grain production.
Attending the recent Goldcrop open evening in Co Louth: Barry and Leah Cunningham, from Mooremount, Dunleer
“Historically, the UK plant breeding company, KWS, has been at the forefront of developing very high-performing winter barley varieties,” Dunn explained.
“The company has been a little slower in bringing BYDV tolerant varieties to market.
“However, this scenario has changed with KWS now offering a selection of tolerant BYDV options with excellent production capabilities.”
Goldcrop’s agronomist highlighted the French-bred winter barley variety, Integral, as a variety that performs well under Irish conditions – a six-row option.
The variety produces well, tolerates BYDV, is very suitable for a mid-September digging date and grows well in light and heavy soils.
Meanwhile, the noteworthy two-row winter barley is Organa
New to the market, it tolerates BYDV but also shows excellent levels of resistance to a number of weather diseases, including Rhyncosporium and Ramularia.
