The outlook for the UK pulse sector is looking much more positive for the coming season with the start of a recovery in pulse area plus new varieties offering a step up in spring bean yields.

Last season saw one of the smallest pulse areas, with beans down to just 95,000ha. And the number of dried pea growers had fallen to fewer than 500, said PGRO chief executive Salvador Potter at a press briefing near Peterborough.

However, PGRO predicts that the pulse area will increase, with beans bouncing back to 125,000ha in 2013, similar to the 2011 area. This recovery is being fuelled partly by the poor autumn drilling conditions, with growers abandoning winter crops and opting for spring cropping instead.

Pulses are a good option and are currently commanding good premiums. Frontier pulse trader Andy Bury highlighted that for old crop beans, the premium over wheat was about £70-80/t. For next year’s crop, it was currently £30/t over wheat. “This is a good starting point and is a positive outlook.”

One concern is an oversupply, but Mr Bury highlighted that there was sufficient demand in the export human consumption market to cover the extra predicted bean area. “The export market could take in 160,000t to 200,000t, so no I’ve no concerns on this.”

The outlook is also positive for peas, with contracts currently available for £350/t for marrowfats meeting spec and £300/t for blue peas. “However, peas are a specialist crop and are technically demanding, so don’t suit all growers,” he said.

RL additions

There is also positive variety news, with the addition of two pale-hilum varieties to the spring list – Vertigo and Fanfare – with provisional (P1) recommendations. Vertigo yielded 114% of the control and PGRO principal technical officer Steve Belcher described as being a big step up in yield over the established favourite Fuego.

“It has a similar maturity and standing power. But there is one drawback in that its downy mildew resistance is slightly down on Fuego.”

Fanfare is also a step up in yield at 110% and has a good standing ability and longer straw. But again, it is a little weaker than Fuego for downy mildew.

On the pea lists, large blue Stratford is the (P1) addition this year. “The yield at 95% is a little lower than the top performers – the reason for its inclusion was getting the top rating of nine for downy mildew resistance. This could allow growers to opt for a less expensive seed dressing.”

In the marrowfat sector, Bibao makes its first appearance (P1) on the list with a yield comparable with Sakura. Strada, which first appeared last year has retained its top downy mildew rating of nine. There were no new additions to the winter bean list.

Read more on spring bean variety Boxer gaining National Listing