A new winter wheat variety that could be a strong option when crop rotations dictate the need for later drilling is being launched to Westcountry growers for this autumn.

Ketchum, from Syngenta, which is being marketed by Masstock, has been classed as a Group 2 variety by the National Association of British and Irish Millers.

Although added to the HGCA Recommended List in 2009, this will be the first autumn that seed will be fully available to growers for planting commercially, explained Syngenta's Samantha Smith.

"Of particular interest is that, on the HGCA Recommended List table for late autumn-sown wheat 2010-11, it has an outstandingly high treated yield figure of 109 per cent of control varieties," Mrs Smith explained. "This is limited data, but it still equates to a yield of almost ten tonnes per hectare from such late sowing. It's also a figure that is higher than any other Group 1, 2 or 3 variety in the table, and indeed a fair proportion of the Group 4 feed varieties in the table.

"On the main HGCA Recommended List of winter wheat for 2010-11, Ketchum also has an excellent treated yield figure of 105 per cent in a second or more wheat situation.

"Taken together, these point to Ketchum being a strong candidate for later drilling positions. Later drilling could include planting after wheat or planting after vegetables, potatoes or other crops. Also, Ketchum has the highest figure for Fusarium ear blight resistance – with data putting this at a resistance rating of eight.

"If concerned about Fusarium, for example if maize is included in the rotation at certain times, it would seem to make sense to utilise all the very best agronomy – including variety resistance – to minimise risk."

Mrs Smith added: "Ketchum can be drilled up to the end of February in suitable conditions. But it is always important to select the correct seed rates."