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Recommended Lists variety comments for cereals and oilseed rape
The AHDB Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) delivers variety-performance data. With information on yield and quality, agronomic features and market options, use these variety-specific comments (alongside the main RL tables) to identify promising varieties for your farm.
Introducing your varieties for 2025/26
Download a PDF of the variety comments
Information on varietal parentage (where known) is shown in bold.
Your new varieties (videos)
Watch Paul Gosling, who leads the RL project at AHDB, provide an overview of the new additions to the lists.
Winter wheat
Winter barley
Spring barley
Winter oilseed rape
Wheat varieties
Winter wheat 2025/26
Please note that comments made on resistance to orange wheat blossom midge and Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) are based on advice from plant breeders. These have not been verified in RL tests.
Crusoe – ukp
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and has consistently given good proteins.
Agronomy: This short and stiff-strawed variety has high resistance to yellow rust, septoria tritici and fusarium ear blight. It is very susceptible to brown rust.
UKFM comment: This variety has consistently demonstrated good protein content and quality. The bread crumb structure is notably white and of good quality. The baking performance of this variety is good and consequently, it remains popular with millers.
KWS Vibe (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 1 variety recommended for the UK. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights, and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification (based on limited data).
Agronomy: This stiff-strawed variety has a high yield potential in the West region. Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. KWS Vibe has high resistance to yellow rust, septoria tritici and mildew (based on limited data) and it carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed good protein content and gluten quality. The baking performance was good.
KWS Zyatt – ukp
Quartz x Hereford
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high specific weights and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: This stiff-strawed variety has given high treated yields throughout the UK, across a range of rotational positions, on heavier soil and in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It has high resistance to mildew and brown rust, and it carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is very susceptible to yellow rust.
UKFM comment: This variety is popular with millers as it shows good gluten strength and milling quality alongside a good baking performance. As a high-yielding variety, nitrogen applications may have to be adjusted to achieve protein specifications.
RGT Illustrious
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: RGT Illustrious has given its best relative performance in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It has high resistance to yellow rust and carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is a medium-tall and stiff-strawed variety.
UKFM comment: This variety has a higher level of water absorption (a good feature) and demonstrates good breadmaking potential, even at lower protein levels.
Skyfall
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety with high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: It is an awned wheat with relatively short, stiff straw. Skyfall is the only Group 1 variety with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It has high resistance to brown rust and fusarium ear blight, and it carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is very susceptible to yellow rust. It has a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.
UKFM comment: Large quantities of this variety continue to be seen by millers, and it is popular owing to good milling and baking qualities. Because it is high yielding, nitrogen applications may have to be adjusted to achieve protein specifications.
SY Cheer
KWS Trinity x Expert
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety with high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: SY Cheer has high resistance to mildew, yellow rust and fusarium ear blight. It is susceptible to eyespot. It is a medium-tall variety with relatively stiff straw.
UKFM comment: Over the four years of testing, this variety showed good protein, high specific weight and a strong gluten quality. The baking performance was good, although slight variation has been seen.
KWS Arnie (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 2 variety recommended for the UK. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights, and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification (based on limited data).
Agronomy: This relatively stiff-strawed variety has a very high treated yield potential in the East and West regions, across a range of rotational positions and on heavier soils. It has also performed well in the North region and on lighter soils (both based on limited data). KWS Arnie has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed protein levels typical of a Group 2. Water absorption is low and this variety will not be suited for all grists.
KWS Equipe – ukp (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 2 variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights, and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification (based on limited data).
Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields in the East region, in a first cereal position and on heavier soils and has a very high treated yield potential in the West region. KWS Equipe has given very high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust, brown rust, septoria tritici and mildew (based on limited data). It is susceptible to eyespot. It is a medium-tall variety.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed protein levels typical of a Group 2. Gluten quality and bake performance are acceptable. Water absorption is low and this variety will not be suited for all grists.
KWS Extase – ukp
Boisseau x Solehio
Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. KWS Extase has given high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields in the East and West regions. It has performed well across a range of rotational positions, soil types and in an early sowing situation. KWS Extase has given very high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to septoria tritici, yellow rust and brown rust. It is very susceptible to eyespot. It is a medium-tall variety.
UKFM comment: This variety has protein levels that are typical of a Group 2. It shows some variability in its baking performance.
KWS Newbie – ukp (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 2 variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification (based on limited data).
Agronomy: This variety has a very high yield potential in the North region (based on limited data) and has given high treated yields in the East region and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on limited data). KWS Newbie has high resistance to yellow rust.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed protein levels and water absorption typical of a Group 2. The bake performance was good but showed some variability.
KWS Palladium
KWS Zyatt x KWS Trinity
Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety with high Hagbergs. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields in the West region. KWS Palladium has high resistance to septoria tritici, yellow rust and mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a relatively short, stiff-strawed variety.
UKFM comment: This variety has protein levels that are typical of a Group 2 and has higher levels of water absorption (a good feature) than most Group 2 varieties. It shows some variability in its baking performance.
KWS Ultimatum – ukp
KWS Zyatt x Costello
Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. KWS Ultimatum has given high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields throughout the UK, in a first cereal position, on lighter soils and in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It has given high yields in untreated UK trials. KWS Ultimatum has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to septoria tritici, yellow rust and mildew. It is a relatively late maturing variety.
UKFM comment: This variety has protein levels that are typical of a Group 2, with some variability in its baking performance.
LG Shergar (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 2 variety recommended for the UK. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights.
Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential in the North region (based on limited data) and has given high treated yields in the East and West regions, in a first cereal position and across a range of soil types (based on limited data). LG Shergar has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust, septoria tritici and mildew (based on limited data). It is a short, stiff-strawed variety.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed protein levels and water absorption typical of a Group 2. The bake performance was good but showed some variability.
Mayflower – ukp
Ascott x Armada
Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. Mayflower has given high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in an early sowing situation. It has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given very high yields in untreated UK trials. Mayflower has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew and the highest rating for resistance to septoria tritici on the recommended list for winter wheat 2025/26. It carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It has moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators.
UKFM comment: This variety shows good protein levels and higher levels of water absorption (a good feature) than most Group 2 varieties. It shows some variability in its baking performance.
RGT Goldfinch (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 2 variety with a specific recommendation for its resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high Hagbergs and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification (based on limited data).
Agronomy: RGT Goldfinch has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data), yellow rust, septoria tritici and the highest rating for resistance to brown rust on the recommended list for winter wheat 2025/26. It is the only Group 2 variety with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. This late maturing variety is very weak strawed but responds well to plant growth regulators.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed good protein and water absorption. Whilst the bake performance was generally good, there was variability.
The potential for this variety to be grown without the use of insecticides will be of interest to some end users.
Almara – uks, distilling: medium
Scimitar x Elation
Quality: A UKFM Group 3 variety recommended for the North region. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has a high yield potential in the North region. Almara has high resistance to yellow rust and brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety.
UKFM comment: This variety shows some variation in Hagberg Falling Number. The gluten quality meets the criteria for a Group 3, but can be slightly variable.
Bamford – uks, distilling: medium
Quality: A UKFM Group 3 variety with a high specific weight. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields throughout the UK, across a range of rotational positions and soil types and in an early sowing situation. Limited data suggests it has a high yield potential in a late sowing situation. Bamford has high resistance to septoria tritici and yellow rust and has given very high yields in untreated UK trials. It carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is a relatively tall variety. Limited data suggests that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.
UKFM comment: This variety shows good specific weights and gluten quality that meet the Group 3 criteria.
KWS Flute – uks, distilling: medium (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 3 variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on limited data). KWS Flute has resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. This short variety has moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed gluten quality that met the Group 3 criteria.
KWS Solitaire – uks, distilling: high (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 3 variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘high’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on limited data). KWS Solitaire has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is susceptible to eyespot. This medium-tall variety is relatively weak strawed and requires careful management.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety consistently showed low protein. The gluten quality met the Group 3 criteria.
LG Astronomer – distilling: medium
(Cougar x Leeds) x Britannia
Quality: A UKFM Group 3 variety, rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This relatively stiff-strawed variety has given its best relative performance in an early sowing situation. LG Astronomer has high resistance to yellow rust and brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to mildew. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
UKFM comment: This variety meets the Group 3 criteria, although it shows slight variability in gluten quality.
Blackstone – distilling: medium
Quality: A soft-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given high treated yields in the North region, on lighter soils and in a late sowing situation (based on limited data). It has high resistance to yellow rust and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is a medium-tall variety with relatively stiff straw.
KWS Zealum – distilling: medium
KWS Basset x Reflection
Quality: A soft-milling feed variety recommended for the North region. It is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the North region and in a second-cereal position. It has a very high treated yield potential in an early sowing situation. KWS Zealum has high resistance to yellow rust and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is a medium-tall variety and is relatively late maturing. It has moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators.
LG Redwald – distilling: medium
LG Sundance x LG Generation
Quality: A soft-milling feed variety recommended for the East and West regions. It tends to give low Hagbergs and specific weights. It is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given very high treated yields throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types as well as having a high yield potential across a range of sowing dates (based on limited data). LG Redwald has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust and brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot. This medium-tall variety is weak strawed and requires careful management. Limited data suggests that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.
LG Skyscraper – distilling: medium
(Cassius x NAWW29) x KWS Santiago
Quality: A soft-milling feed variety. It is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: LG Skyscraper has given its best relative performance in the East region, in a second cereal position and in a late sowing situation. It has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. This medium-tall variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management.
RGT Bairstow – distilling: high
Quality: A soft-milling feed variety recommended for the North region. It is rated as ‘high’ for distilling. It has a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given high treated yields in a late sowing situation and on lighter soils. RGT Bairstow has high resistance to yellow rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot. It is a medium-tall variety with moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators.
RGT Hexton – uks, distilling: medium (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a soft-milling feed variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.
Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has performed well throughout the UK and has a very high treated yield potential in the East and North regions and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on limited data). RGT Hexton has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot.
Champion
DSV20122 x Reflection
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions, soil types and sowing dates. Champion has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has very high resistance to septoria tritici and high resistance to yellow rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot.
Costello
W151 x Timaru
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs and a high specific weight.
Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has high resistance to yellow rust, mildew and fusarium ear blight. Costello is a relatively short and stiff-strawed variety. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
Gleam
KWS Kielder x Hereford
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety.
Agronomy: This variety has consistently given high treated yields throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions, soil types and sowing dates. Gleam has resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.
Graham
Premio x Expert
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs.
Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields in the West region and has a high yield potential in the North region, in a first cereal position, an early sowing situation and across a range of soil types. It has given high yields in untreated UK trials and has high resistance to septoria tritici and yellow rust. It is susceptible to eyespot. Graham is a medium-tall variety with relatively stiff straw. It is relatively early maturing.
KWS Cranium
KWS Crispin x KWS Kielder
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs but a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This late maturing variety has given high treated yields in the North region and on lighter soils. It has high resistance to yellow rust and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to mildew. It is a medium-tall variety with relatively stiff straw. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
KWS Dawsum
KWS Kerrin x Costello
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights.
Agronomy: This relatively short-strawed variety has performed well throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions, soil types and sowing dates. It has a very high yield potential in the North region, in an early sowing situation and on lighter soils. KWS Dawsum has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust, brown rust, mildew and fusarium ear blight. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety.
KWS Scope (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a hard-milling feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given high specific weights.
Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on limited data). KWS Scope has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot. This medium-tall variety is stiff-strawed.
LG Beowulf
Costello x Gleam
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety.
Agronomy: LG Beowulf has performed well throughout the UK and across a range of soil types. It has given very high treated yields in the East and North regions, on heavier soils and across a range of rotational positions and sowing dates (based on limited data). LG Beowulf has high resistance to septoria tritici and yellow rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to brown rust. This relatively late maturing variety is stiff strawed.
LG Typhoon
Garrus x LGW88
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given low Hagbergs.
Agronomy: This variety has a high yield potential in the North region and in an early sowing situation. LG Typhoon has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to septoria tritici and yellow rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is a relatively late maturing variety. Limited data suggest that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.
Oxford
DSV20122 x Reflection
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety recommended for the East and West regions. It gives a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has performed well in the East and West regions and across a range of rotational positions, soil types and sowing dates. It has a very high yield potential in the West region, in a second-cereal position, an early sowing situation and on heavier soils. It has high resistance to septoria tritici and yellow rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. Oxford has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This relatively late maturing variety is relatively stiff strawed. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
RGT Wolverine
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety with a specific recommendation for resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high Hagbergs but a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given its best relative performance in the West region and in an early sowing situation. RGT Wolverine has high resistance to brown rust. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
SY Insitor
(Hereford x Oakley) x Hereford
Quality: A hard-milling feed variety recommended for the North region. It has given high Hagbergs and a high specific weight.
Agronomy: SY Insitor has performed well throughout the UK and across a range of soil types. It has given very high treated yields in the East and North regions, in an early sowing situation (based on limited data), on lighter soils and across a range of rotational positions. SY Insitor has high resistance to septoria tritici, mildew and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is very susceptible to yellow rust. This medium-tall variety has moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators. It has a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.
Spring wheat 2025
Please note that comments made on resistance to orange wheat blossom midge are based on advice from plant breeders. It has not been verified in RL tests.
KWS Harsum
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights, and good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has given similar treated yields to KWS Ladum, a significant step up in its UKFM Group 1 segment. KWS Harsum has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.
UKFM comment: This variety has lower protein than other Group 1 spring wheats, but the gluten strength is good and consistent. Good baking performance with only slight variation is seen.
KWS Ladum
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has given treated yields that are a significant step up in its UKFM Group 1 segment. KWS Ladum has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data). It is relatively early maturing.
UKFM comment: This variety has good protein levels and gluten quality, although slight variation is seen in the baking quality.
Mulika
Paragon x (Tybalt x Robigus)
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. Mulika gives high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It remains a popular choice with growers.
Agronomy: Mulika has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.
UKFM comment: This variety has good protein levels, but the gluten quality is weaker than the other Group 1 spring varieties and there is some variability in its baking performance.
Nissaba
Hathaway x BA W54
Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has given treated yields from spring sowings that are similar to the current UKFM Group 1 control Mulika. Nissaba has high resistance to brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is a relatively late maturing variety.
UKFM comment: This variety has good protein levels and gluten quality, although slight variation is seen in the baking quality.
STRU102574k021511 (NEW)
STRU 030486 x KWS Chamsin x Lennox
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It has a high specific weight, the highest for a UKFM Group 1 variety on the recommended list for spring wheat 2025.
Agronomy: This variety has given treated yields that are a significant step up in its UKFM Group 1 segment. It has high resistance to brown rust and mildew (based on limited data). It is a relatively early maturing variety.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed good specific weight and water absorption (a good feature). The gluten quality and baking performance was good.
STRU102574k021511 has been added to the GB and NI Variety Lists (VL), with the proposed name of ‘STR Pace’. Approval of the name ‘STR Pace’ will be confirmed in spring 2025, provided no representations are received.
KWS Alicium
Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It has a high specific weight, the highest for a UKFM Group 2 variety on the recommended list for spring wheat 2025.
Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields in spring sowings. KWS Alicium has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.
UKFM comment: This variety shows high specific weights and good gluten quality, although slight variability is seen in the baking performance.
KWS Bezique (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 2 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights, and good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in spring sowings. Over the three years of testing, KWS Bezique has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.
UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed low protein but good water absorption.
KWS Cochise
Ashby x Lapis
Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety for spring sowing. It has given high specific weights and good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has high resistance to mildew and brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to yellow rust.
UKFM comment: This variety has shown good protein levels and specific weights, although there is a degree of variability in its baking performance.
WPB Mylo
Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to yellow rust, brown rust, septoria tritici, and mildew (based on limited data). It is a relatively late maturing variety.
UKFM comment: This variety has shown good analytical quality, although slight variability is seen in the baking performance.
Everlong
(LW018W004-01 x Lennon) x WPB010W57-02
Quality: Everlong is a hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It has a high specific weight, the highest for a Group 4 variety on the recommended list for spring wheat 2025.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields from spring sowings. It has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to yellow rust, brown rust and mildew (based on limited data). It is a relatively early maturing variety.
KWS Fixum
Quality: A hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has a given high treated yields from spring sowings. KWS Fixum has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to brown rust and mildew (based on limited data).
Ophelia (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given high specific weights and good grain proteins.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields from spring sowings. Over the three years of testing, Ophelia has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data) and is a relatively early maturing variety.
WPB Fraser (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is a hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given good grain proteins and low specific weights.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields from spring sowings. It has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data).
Barley varieties
Winter barley 2025/26
Please note that comments made on resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), Barley mild mosaic virus (BaMMV) and Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) strain 1 are based on advice from plant breeders. These have not been verified in RL tests.
UK winter malting barley market share is given as a percentage (%) of Malting Association of Great Britain (MAGB) member purchases.
Buccaneer
Zophia x SJ 128225
Quality: Fully approved by the Malting Barley Committee (MBC) for the production of malt for brewing.
Agronomy: This relatively tall, two-row variety has given its best relative performance in the East region and on heavier soils. Buccaneer has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to brown rust and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1).
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing in 2024. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.
Craft
SY 208-56 x SY Venture
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for the production of malt for brewing, with a high specific weight.
Agronomy: This relatively tall and stiff-strawed two-row variety has given consistent treated yields throughout the UK. It has high resistance to brown rust and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1).
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2018. Craft secured 45% of the total UK winter malting barley purchased from 2023 crop, retaining highest market share.
Electrum
SY208-56 x SY208-59
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for the production of malt for brewing, with a high specific weight.
Agronomy: This tall, two-row variety has given consistent treated yields throughout the UK. Electrum has high resistance to brown rust and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a relatively early maturing variety and has moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2020. Electrum continues to retain a modest market share.
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MBC approved list – winter barley |
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Brewing use Full approval: Craft, Electrum, Buccaneer, Flagon Provisional approval: |
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Malt distilling use None approved |
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Varieties for special use Full approval: SY Vessel – malt distilling |
SY Vessel is a non-GN winter barley with MBC special use full approval for malt distilling. SY Vessel was withdrawn from the RL process by the breeder before it was considered for inclusion, owing to there being no separate special end-use category at that time.
Flagon is a winter malting barley that was removed from the RL in 2015 due to low certified seed area, but it has since increased its market share and is approved by the MBC for brewing.
Bolivia
NOS 9901-14 x Frigg
A two-row feed variety. This variety has given high treated yields in the East region and across a range of soil types. Bolivia has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to mildew and brown rust and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This variety has a high specific weight. Bolivia is no longer under test in RL trials.
Bolton
KWS Cassia x California
A two-row feed variety. This stiff-strawed variety has given high treated yields in the East region and on heavier soils. Bolton has high resistance to brown rust and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1).
Kitty (NEW)
Valerie x LMGN3601
This new addition is a high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given high treated yields in the East region and on heavier soils (based on limited data) and has a very high yield potential in the North region and on lighter soils (both based on limited data). Kitty has high resistance to rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV, BaYMV strain 1 and BaYMV strain 2). It is a late maturing, stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data). It has a very high specific weight, the highest on the recommended list for winter barley 2025/26.
KWS Heraclis (NEW)
KWS Tardis x Paloma
This new addition is a high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the North region. It performs well across a range of soil types, with a very high yield potential on heavier soils and has given very high treated yields in the North region (both based on limited data). KWS Heraclis has high resistance to brown rust and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is relatively stiff strawed (based on limited data).
KWS Tardis
11-12 x KWS Orwell
A two-row feed variety. This stiff-strawed variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential on heavier soils. KWS Tardis is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has a high specific weight.
KWS Valencis (NEW)
KWS Tardis x KWS Caribou
This new addition is a very high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has performed well across all regions and soils types and has a very high yield potential in the East and North regions and on both light and heavier soils (based on limited data). Over the three years of testing, KWS Valencis has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to brown rust. It has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data) but responds well to plant growth regulators. It has a high specific weight.
LG Capitol
LGBU11-5495-B x KWS Moselle
A very high-yielding two-row feed variety. It has performed well across all regions and soil types and has a very high treated yield potential in the East region and on heavier soils (based on limited data). LG Capitol has high resistance to brown rust and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has a high specific weight.
LG Caravelle
LGBU11-5495-B x KWS Moselle
A very high-yielding two-row feed variety. It has performed well across all regions and soil types and has a very high treated yield potential in the East region and on heavier soils. LG Caravelle has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to brown rust and mildew and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety and has a very high specific weight.
LG Carpenter (NEW)
LG Casting x UN3201
This new addition is a two-row feed variety with a specific recommendation for the East and West regions for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high treated yields in the East region and on heavier soils (based on limited data). Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. LG Carpenter has high resistance to brown rust, rhynchosporium and net blotch. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall variety is relatively weak strawed (based on limited data) and requires careful management. It has a high specific weight.
NOS Olena (NEW)
LG Globetrotter x Bordeaux
This new addition is a very high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given very high treated yields in the East and North regions and across both light and heavier soils (based on limited data). Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data) but responds well to plant growth regulators.
Organa (NEW)
NOS9042-16 x Normandy
This new addition is a two-row feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high treated yields in the East region. Organa has high resistance to brown rust and rhynchosporium and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data) but responds well to plant growth regulators.
Rosemary (NEW)
KWS Caribou x LG Flynn
This new addition is a high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the North region. It performs well across a range of soil types, with a very high yield potential on light soils and has given very high treated yields in the North region (based on limited data). It has high resistance to brown rust and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall variety is relatively weak strawed (based on limited data) but responds well to plant growth regulators.
Russo (NEW)
Bordeaux x Return
This new addition is a very high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the East region. It has given very high treated yields in the East region and performs well across a range of soil types (based on limited data). Russo is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has a high specific weight.
SU Arion (NEW)
Lautetia x Nord 17150/22
This new addition is a high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the East and North regions. It has given high treated yields in the North region and on heavier soils (based on limited data) and has a very high yield potential in the East region and on lighter soils (based on limited data). Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. SU Arion has high resistance to mildew and net blotch and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has moderate straw strength (based on limited data) that requires careful management.
Valerie
207-589 x Sandra
A relatively early maturing two-row feed variety. This variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. Valerie has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV, BaYMV strain 1 and BaYMV strain 2). Valerie has given low screening levels and a high specific weight. It combines good grain quality characteristics with stiff straw.
Belfry
A six-row hybrid feed variety. This relatively early maturing variety has given consistent treated yields throughout the UK. Belfry has high resistance to rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is tall and relatively stiff strawed for a six-row hybrid variety. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
Integral (NEW)
Amistar x Pixel
This new addition is a six-row (non-hybrid) feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). This variety has given very high treated yields in the West region (based on limited data). Integral is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is susceptible to mildew. Integral is stiff strawed (based on limited data) and relatively short for a six-row variety.
Inys (NEW)
This new addition is a very high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety recommended for the UK. It has performed well across all regions and soil types and has a very high yield potential in the East and West regions and on both light and heavier soils (based on limited data). Inys has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a tall, stiff-strawed (based on limited data) and relatively early maturing variety.
KWS Feeris
Amistar x KWS Kosmos
A six-row (non-hybrid) feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). KWS Feeris is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is relatively stiff strawed and relatively short for a six-row variety.
Sixy (NEW)
AC 15/300 x KWS Orbit
This new addition is a six-row (non-hybrid) feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has a very high treated yield potential in the North region and on lighter soils (both based on limited data). Sixy has high resistance to mildew and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is stiff strawed (based on limited data) and relatively short for a six-row variety. It tends to give a lower specific weight.
SY Canyon
A high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety. It has a high treated yield potential in the West and North regions, and on lighter soils. SY Canyon has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This tall, relatively early maturing variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It has a very high specific weight, the highest for a six-row variety on the recommended list for winter barley 2025/26.
SY Kestrel (NEW)
This new addition is a six-row hybrid feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has a very high treated yield potential in the West region (based on limited data). Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. SY Kestrel has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium. It is the only variety on the recommended list for winter barley 2025/26 to have both resistance to BYDV and tolerance to wheat dwarf virus (WDV). It is a tall, relatively stiff-strawed (based on limited data) and early maturing variety.
SY Kingsbarn
A very high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety. This variety has performed well across all regions and on lighter soils. It has a very high treated yield potential in both the West and North regions. SY Kingsbarn has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall, relatively early maturing variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It has a high specific weight.
SY Kingston
A very high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety. This variety has given very high treated yields in the East and West regions and has performed well on lighter soils. SY Kingston has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall, relatively early maturing variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It has a high specific weight. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
SY Nephin
A six-row hybrid feed variety with a high treated yield potential in the East region. SY Nephin has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall, relatively early maturing variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It has a very high specific weight.
SY Quantock (NEW)
This new addition is a very high-yielding six-row hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has performed well throughout the UK and has a very high yield potential in the West and North regions and across all soil types (based on limited data). Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. SY Quantock has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a tall and relatively early maturing variety. SY Quantock has a high specific weight.
Spring barley 2025
The mlo resistance gene in barley confers almost complete resistance to barley powdery mildew. All spring barley varieties on the current recommended list carry this gene and can, therefore, be assumed to be resistant to powdery mildew.
UK spring malting barley market share is given as a percentage (%) of Malting Association of Great Britain (MAGB) member purchases.
Belter
Cosmopolitan x Laureate
Quality: Potential for both brewing and malt distilling use.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields throughout the UK. Belter has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a late maturing, short and relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with high resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting, brewing and distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
Bounty
Laureate x RGT Planet
Quality: Potential for brewing use. It has a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields throughout the UK. Bounty has high resistance to mildew and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a late maturing and stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting and brewing. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
Diviner
LG Diablo x Player
Quality: Potential for malt distilling use.
Agronomy: This variety has a high treated yield potential in both the West and North regions. Diviner has high resistance to mildew. It is a short and relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting and distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
Firecracker (NEW)
Firefoxx x Spinner
Quality: This new addition is recommended for the UK. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high treated yield potential in the West region (based on limited data). Firecracker has high resistance to mildew and net blotch (based on limited data) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: New variety currently under assessment by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
Firefoxx
Chanson x Acorn
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use. It tends to give a lower specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields throughout the UK. Firefoxx has high resistance to mildew and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use since 2022. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.
KWS Enduris (NEW)
Quality: This new addition is recommended for the UK. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the West (based on limited data) and North regions. KWS Enduris has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is susceptible to brown rust. It is a stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with high resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: New variety currently under assessment by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
KWS Sassy
Concerto x Publican
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use.
Agronomy: This variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. KWS Sassy has high resistance to mildew. It is a late maturing variety with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Fully approved for malt distilling use since 2017. KWS Sassy continues to hold its share of the UK spring barley market at just under 8%. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.
Laureate
Sanette x Concerto
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for both brewing and malt distilling use. It tends to give a lower specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the West region. It has high resistance to mildew, rhynchosporium and net blotch and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. Laureate has moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling since 2017. Laureate continues to dominate the UK spring barley market, with almost 62% market share.
LG Aquarius
LGBN14223-3 x LGBU15-4572-C
Quality: Potential for brewing use.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the West region and has a very high treated yield potential in the East region. LG Aquarius has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting and brewing. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
LG Diablo
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for both brewing and malt distilling use.
Agronomy: This variety has given its best relative performance in the East and North regions. LG Diablo has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a late maturing and relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use since 2019 and for brewing use since 2020. LG Diablo retains its share of the UK spring barley market at around 11%.
Olsen
LG Diablo x SJ180777
Quality: Potential for both brewing and malt distilling use. It has a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions. It has high resistance to mildew and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. Olsen is a late maturing, stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting, brewing and distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
Ptarmigan (NEW)
Skyway x Hurler
Quality: This new addition is recommended for the UK. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use.
Agronomy: Ptarmigan has a high yield potential in both the West (based on limited data) and North regions. It has high resistance mildew and net blotch (based on limited data) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: New variety currently under assessment by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
RGT Planet
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing.
Agronomy: RGT Planet has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2016. RGT Planet held just over 30% of spring malting barley purchased from England 2023 crop.
Skyway
RGT Planet x NOS 2105-11
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing. It has a high specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the West region. It has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2023. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.
SY Arrow (NEW)
(Laureate x SY Splendor) x SY Bronte
Quality: This new addition is recommended for the UK. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use. It tends to give a lower specific weight.
Agronomy: SY Arrow has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential in the West region (based on limited data). It has high resistance to mildew, rhynchosporium and net blotch (based on limited data). It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: New variety currently under assessment by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
SY Signet
LG Diablo x SY Splendor
Quality: Potential for brewing use.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions. SY Signet has high resistance to mildew. It is a late maturing and relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting and brewing. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.
SY Tennyson
SY Splendor x LG Diablo
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for both brewing and malt distilling use. It gives a low specific weight.
Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the East region. SY Tennyson has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a late maturing and relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling in 2024. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.
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MBC approved list – spring barley |
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Brewing use Full approval: Laureate, RGT Planet, LG Diablo, Skyway, SY Tennyson Provisional approval: SY Signet, LG Aquarius, Belter, Bounty, Olsen |
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Malt distilling use Full approval: Laureate, KWS Sassy, LG Diablo, Firefoxx, SY Tennyson Provisional approval: Diviner, Belter, Olsen |
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Varieties for special use Full approval: Fairing – Grain Distilling Provisional approval: None approved |
Hurler
(RGT Planet x KWS Beckie) x Laureate
A high-yielding, late maturing feed variety. This variety has given high yields throughout the UK. Hurler has high resistance to mildew and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a short, stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with high resistance to brackling. It has a low specific weight.
NOS Gambit
Laureate x LG Nabuco
A high-yielding feed variety. This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential in West region. NOS Gambit has high resistance to mildew and net blotch and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a short and relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with high resistance to brackling. It tends to give a lower specific weight.
CB Score
(CB China x RGT Planet) x (Lauxana x Laureate)
Quality: A Null-Lox 4G variety, which lacks the genes for production of lipoxygenase and dimethyl sulphate, both of which can affect beer quality. Described for the UK.
Agronomy: This variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. CB Score has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to net blotch. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with high resistance to brackling.
Fairing
Titouan x 144-02-4
Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for grain distilling use. Described for the UK.
Agronomy: It has high resistance to mildew, rhynchosporium and net blotch. Fairing is an early maturing and relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.
MAGB comment: Special use approval by the MBC for grain distilling. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.
Oat varieties
Winter oats 2025/26
Cromwell
Mascani x 2009-215
A high-yielding, husked variety. This variety has a high kernel content and high specific weight. Cromwell is a short, stiff-strawed variety and is very susceptible to mildew.
Dalguise
Mirabel x Solva
A high-yielding husked variety with a high specific weight. Dalguise is a tall variety with weak straw strength. It is an early maturing variety and is susceptible to both mildew and crown rust.
Mascani
F5 CW0112/15A/05 x Stampede
A husked variety with a very high kernel content. It is a tall variety with moderate straw strength. Mascani remains, by far, the most popular variety with oat millers and growers, valued for its grain quality characteristics. It is less susceptible to mildew than most varieties.
RGT Southwark
A very high-yielding husked variety with tall straw. RGT Southwark has high resistance to the common strains of crown rust, which contributes to a high untreated yield, but is susceptible to mildew. It has a high specific weight.
Fusion
A huskless (naked), late maturing oat variety with very short, stiff straw. Fusion is very susceptible to crown rust. It has a high specific weight.
Peloton
96-41Cn3 x 98-97Cn8
A huskless (naked) oat variety with a higher yield potential than older varieties. It has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to mildew. Peloton is a tall variety with moderate straw strength. It has a high specific weight.
Spring oats 2025
Asterion
11/141 x Max
Asterion is a husked variety with high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This early maturing variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data). It has a high specific weight.
Caledon (NEW)
Delfin x Komfort
This new addition is a very high-yielding husked variety. It has given the highest yields for a husked variety on the recommended list for spring oats 2025. Caledon has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This early maturing variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data).
Canyon
A high-yielding husked variety. Canyon has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials but is susceptible to crown rust. This early maturing variety has moderate straw strength. It has a low kernel content.
Conway
An early maturing husked variety with a moderate straw strength. Conway is susceptible to crown rust. This variety has a low specific weight and a low kernel content.
Merlin
Neklan x Canyon
A high-yielding husked variety. Merlin has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This variety is, however, susceptible to crown rust. Merlin is an early maturing variety with stiff straw. It has a low kernel content.
RGT Vaughan
An early maturing husked variety. RGT Vaughan has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to crown rust. This variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data). It has a high specific weight.
WPB Isabel
LW 03W0383-06 x Husky
A high-yielding husked variety with moderate straw strength. WPB Isabel has the highest specific weight for a husked variety on the recommended list for spring oats 2025.
Lennon
MF9018-11801 x 13174Cn3/6n
A huskless (naked) oat variety with a high specific weight. Lennon is an early maturing, short variety with moderate straw strength (based on limited data).
Oliver
A huskless (naked) oat variety with a high specific weight. Oliver is an early maturing variety with moderate straw strength. It is susceptible to crown rust and very susceptible to mildew.
Ovation
15051Cn111/3 x Lennon
A huskless (naked) oat variety with a high specific weight. Ovation is an early maturing variety with moderate straw strength (based on limited data). It is susceptible to crown rust.
Oilseed rape varieties
Please note that comments made on resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV), clubroot and pod shatter resistance are based on advice from plant breeders. These have not been verified in RL tests.
Winter oilseed rape 2025/26
Acacia
A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the UK. Acacia has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
Amarone
A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the North region. Amarone has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). Limited data suggests it has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
Ambassador
A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region. Ambassador has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to verticillium. This relatively early maturing variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. Ambassador has resistance to pod shatter. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
Annika
A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the East/West region. Annika has high resistance to light leaf spot, is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data) and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively late maturing variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity.
Aspire
A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the North region. Aspire has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. Aspire is no longer under test in RL trials.
Attica
A hybrid variety recommended for the UK. Attica has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). This variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity and resistance to pod shatter. Attica is no longer under test in RL trials.
Aurelia
A hybrid variety recommended for the UK. Aurelia has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to stem canker and verticillium (based on limited data). This variety has high resistance to lodging and resistance to pod shatter. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
Beatrix CL
A Clearfield® hybrid variety for the East/West region, with a specific recommendation for its tolerance to specific imidazolinone herbicides. Beatrix CL is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). Limited data suggests it has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. This relatively early maturing variety has resistance to pod shatter. Growers are advised to see the BASF website (agricentre.basf.co.uk) for more information about Clearfield® management and husbandry.
Crocodile
A hybrid variety for the East/West region with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. It is susceptible to stem canker. Crocodile is a relatively early maturing variety with high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity.
Crome
A hybrid variety for the North region with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. Crome is very susceptible to stem canker. This variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity.
Cromputer (NEW)
This new addition is a hybrid variety for the UK with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. This variety has given its best relative performance in the East/West region. Cromputer is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data) and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). Limited data suggests it has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity.
Crusoe (NEW)
This new addition is a hybrid variety for the UK with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. It has given a high treated gross output in the East/West region, the highest for a clubroot-resistant variety on the recommended list for winter oilseed rape 2025/26. Crusoe has high resistance to stem canker, is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data) and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data).
Dolphin
A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. Dolphin is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively late maturing variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity.
Hinsta (NEW)
This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a very high treated gross output in this region. Hinsta has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data). It has resistance to pod shatter.
LG Academic
A hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a high treated gross output in the East/West region and a very high treated gross output in the North region. LG Academic has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. LG Academic has resistance to pod shatter.
LG Adapt (NEW)
This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a very high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. LG Adapt has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data). It has resistance to pod shatter.
LG Adeline
A hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a high treated gross output in the East/West region and a very high treated gross output in the North region. LG Adeline has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. LG Adeline has resistance to pod shatter.
LG Armada
A hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. LG Armada has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity. LG Armada has resistance to pod shatter.
LG Auckland
A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. LG Auckland has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with resistance to pod shatter. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
LG Avenger (NEW)
This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the North region, and limited data suggests it has a very high treated gross output in this region. LG Avenger has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). It is a relatively tall variety with high resistance to lodging and good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data). It has resistance to pod shatter.
LG Wagner
A hybrid variety recommended for the North region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. LG Wagner has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to stem canker and verticillium (based on limited data). It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data) and resistance to pod shatter. This variety is no longer under test in RL trials.
Magelan (NEW)
This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a very high treated gross output in this region. Magelan is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data) and resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data). It has resistance to pod shatter.
Matrix CL
A Clearfield® hybrid variety for the UK, with a specific recommendation for its tolerance to specific imidazolinone herbicides. It is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). This relatively early maturing variety has high resistance to lodging and resistance to pod shatter. Growers are advised to see the BASF website (agricentre.basf.co.uk) for more information about Clearfield® management and husbandry.
Maverick (NEW)
This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a very high treated gross output in this region. Maverick has high resistance to light leaf spot and very high resistance to stem canker, combined with resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data).
Miraculix CL
A Clearfield® hybrid variety for the North region, with a specific recommendation for its tolerance to specific imidazolinone herbicides. It is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). Miraculix CL is a relatively tall variety and has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. This relatively early maturing variety has resistance to pod shatter. Growers are advised to see the BASF website (agricentre.basf.co.uk) for more information about Clearfield® management and husbandry.
Murray
A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. Murray has high resistance to light leaf spot and stem canker and is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data). This variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity.
Pi Pinnacle
A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the UK. Pi Pinnacle has given consistent treated gross outputs throughout the UK and has given the highest treated gross output in the East/West region for a conventional variety on the recommended list for winter oilseed rape 2025/26. It has high resistance to light leaf spot but is susceptible to stem canker. This variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity.
Powerhouse (NEW)
This new addition is a conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the North region. Powerhouse has given the highest treated gross output in the North region for a conventional variety on the recommended list for winter oilseed rape 2025/26. It has high resistance to light leaf spot but is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity (both based on limited data).
Tom
A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the UK. Tom has given consistent treated gross outputs throughout the UK. It is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). This variety has high resistance to lodging and is very stiff stemmed at maturity (both based on limited data).
Turing
A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a very high treated gross output in this region. Turing has high resistance to light leaf spot but is susceptible to stem canker. This early flowering variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity.
Vegas
A hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. Vegas has high resistance to light leaf spot and very high resistance to stem canker. This early flowering variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. It is no longer under test in RL trials.
Resort
A high erucic acid rape (HEAR) variety described for the UK. HEAR varieties have a different oil profile (having around 50% erucic acid, compared with less than 2% for ‘00’ varieties). They have a variety of industrial uses, such as specialist lubricants, inks, cosmetics and slip agents. Growers should take action to prevent high erucic volunteers (which can lead to deductions or rejections) from appearing in subsequent ‘00’ oilseed rape crops. Resort is susceptible to stem canker. It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity.
RL comments timeline
- Available for the major cereal and oilseed crops, variety comments accompany each edition of the RL
- When the online tables are launched (November/December), comments cover the main varietal developments (new varieties)
- When the booklet is launched (January/February), detailed variety-specific comments are published online (all varieties)
- Comments associated with previous editions are available in the RL archive
Further information
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