Syngenta says it has introduced the
world’s first hybrid barley variety in the UK.
Syngenta says it has introduced the
world’s first hybrid barley variety in the UK. The variety - Colossus - a
conventionally bred hybrid feed barley was approved earlier this year. The new
barley has been specially bred for improved performance and demonstrates
"hybrid vigour", which translates into hardier crops and better
yields.
Colossus will be sold in the UK as part of a crop
production programme, the Hybrid Barley System. The System provides growers with
the benefits of the new variety, three market-leading crop protection products -
Syngenta’s fungicides AMISTAR® and UNIX® and plant growth regulator MODDUS®,
as well as a comprehensive growing programme. This programme incorporates
know-how gathered from research trials conducted by Syngenta over several years,
under varied growing conditions. Syngenta says that its trials have demonstrated
that the Hybrid Barley System delivers yield improvements of 10% and more
compared with standard barley varieties.
"Our new Hybrid Barley System provides a true benefit for growers,"
said Jeff Beard, COO of Syngenta Seeds. "The combination of this innovative
hybrid with our leading crop protection products and expert know-how will enable
farmers to get the most from each and every hectare." Syngenta will market
hybrid barley in Denmark, France and Germany once variety approvals have been
received.