New KWS 'Barnfiller' Wheat Recommended

Mr Best suggests that it provides a good balance within the feed wheat sector, bringing a range of characteristics to support other high yielding types.

Its stand-out performance is in the second wheat slot.  “Here, KWS Gator is 4% higher yielding than any other currently established true second wheat and has all the attributes required for top performance in this drilling slot,” he says.

“It produces big, bold grain and at 108% of controls in the second wheat situation it has a yield advantage that is worth over £50/t with wheat at £150/t.  Combine this, with its in-built resistance to OWBM and there’s no need for a midge spray, which will improve farm margins still further” says Mr Best. 

KWS Gator is also the highest yielding Group 4 wheat on light land.  However, don’t write it off as a first wheat on heavier land as well, where its yields are only 3% behind KWS Santiago.”

Mr Best describes KWS Gator as like Oakley in terms of growth characteristics, offering good blackgrass suppression, but it has a 9-rating for both yellow rust and standing power when treated with a PGR, so this sets it apart from the established variety.

“We see KWS Gator becoming a true mainstream variety on farms where Oakley is currently favoured, being a useful companion to KWS Santiago and Conqueror.  Growers who select all three will have a wheat acreage with wall-to-wall orange wheat blossom midge protection,” he says.

KWS was disappointed that KWS Gator’s stable-mate KWS Solo didn’t get recommended but confirms it will still be supporting the variety in the market. 

A very high yielding soft wheat, suitable for export blending, KWS Solo performs well on lighter soils and stressed conditions.  It is well suited to the east and southern wheat growing area where soft wheats are favoured.