Despite challenging conditions, hard feed wheat Sartorial continues to outperform the competition when it comes to establishment rates and early vigour.
Launched to the market last year by Agrovista, Sartorial shows consistent rapid early growth across a range of trials, further supported by the latest results from autumn 2019.
The data shows that for winter wheat drilled at two sites, Kelso on the Scottish borders and Draughton in Northamptonshire, the average establishment was 67.4%, outperforming other trialled varieties.
Technical Seed Specialist, Stuart Cree, said: “Early development is one of Sartorial’s strengths, exhibiting rapid growth and consistently excellent establishment.
“This year we were faced with exceptionally challenging weather conditions across the country, so it’s encouraging to see that despite this, Sartorial continues to perform and overcome challenging seedbeds.
“Previous trials have shown that in more typical conditions, Sartorial can achieve around 78% establishment, which is significantly better than comparable varieties.”
Kelso was drilled on October 3 and assessed on November 7, whereas Draughton was drilled on October 30 and assessed on December 2. Both were treated with a prothioconazole/tebuconazole seed treatment.
As well as demonstrating vigorous growth comparable to Siskin, Sartorial offers growers the added benefit of higher yield and better standing ability. It also has a Septoria tritici resistance rating of 6.2 and a robust 9 yellow rust resistance (NL data).
Ideally suited to October drilling, Sartorial can be sown from mid-September to the end of January, performing well as both a main first or second wheat crop.
Agrovista agronomist James Green advises at J Bates & Sons at Coates, Peterborough. Here 4ha of Sartorial were direct drilled on October 31, following oilseed rape in the rotation.
Confirming the variety’s early vigour, James said: “Out of all five winter wheat varieties grown on the farm – Gravity, Costello, Kerrin and Shabras, I would say Sartorial was the quickest out of the blocks and had established within two weeks of drilling.”
Sartorial is an Agrovista exclusive variety. For more information visit www.agrovista.co.uk/seeds/wheat-varieties/sartorial
