The first winter oilseed rape varieties containing a new type of phoma resistance gene will be available for this summer’s drilling from LS Plant Breeding (LSPB).

The recently recommended Respect and candidate variety Flemming both have this novel resistance as part of a strong all-round agronomic package, with Flemming also offering Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) resistance.  

The new gene – RlmS – which was derived from turnip rape, should give long-term and sustainable phoma control and offers an alternative to the existing Rlm7 gene, which is widely found in current oilseed rape varieties.

While it remains effective in the UK, the Rlm7 gene has started to break down in France, making the new source of resistance an important development for continued genetic protection against phoma.

See also: Why one Norfolk grower has kept oilseed rape in his rotation

20-year research programme

Chris Guest, managing director of LSPB, says the company’s two high-yielding hybrids that contain the new gene are the end result of a 20-year research and testing programme, which is now bringing benefits for UK growers.

“Respect has been recommended for the East/West region where it has a gross output of 106%, high resistance to lodging with good stem stiffness, as well as an 8 for stem canker,” he reported.

“Flemming will be considered for recommendation this coming autumn. It offers stacked traits as it adds TuYV resistance to the RlmS resistance,” says Mr Guest.