Spring wheat saw a substantial increase in area this year, moving from approximately 4,600ha to 8,000ha.

There are no new varieties being added to the market this year. WPB Escape has left the list.

KWS Fixum takes up the majority of the seed area at 56% (see Figure 1). WPB Duncan follows on 28% and KWS Helium follows on 16%.

KWS Fixum has good resistance to sprouting. It has moderate resistance to rust and is susceptible to septoria. It scored 102 for relative yield in Department trials in 2023.

WPB Duncan has a KPH of 79.3. It is at 100 on relative yield. It rates a seven for sprouting.

Resistance

KWS Helium scored 96 for relative yield in Department trials in 2023. It scores a five for resistance to both septoria and yellow rust. It scores a seven for resistance to sprouting.

KWS Helium has the highest KPH on the Department of Agriculture’s recommended list at 81.3.WPB Duncan comes in at 79.3 and KWS Fixum comes in at 78.5.