Building stronger crops: combining seed treatments with variety choice
Seed treatments and varieties
The challenges of growing second and subsequent wheats are well known to UK growers and selecting the right variety and using effective seed treatments are critical to overcoming hurdles and increasing yield. Increased risk from take-all, cereal diseases carried over from volunteers, and limited grassweed control windows all place extra demands on crop establishment and performance.
Why seed treatments matter
As explored in our previous article “Why does seed treatment promote root and shoot growth?”, a robust seed treatment sets the foundation for healthy, resilient crops. Products such as Prosper ST support early root development, improve shoot growth, and help young plants withstand abiotic stress during establishment. In challenging slots like second wheats, these advantages can be crucial for ensuring strong, even emergence and giving crops the best start possible.
Prosper ST works by protecting the seed and young plant during the critical early stages of growth. It encourages the development of stronger root systems and more robust shoots, which are essential for efficient nutrient and water uptake. By reducing stress and improving establishment, Prosper ST helps crops build a stronger foundation to face in-season challenges.
Field observations have shown that treated crops often display improved vigour, with quicker emergence and more even stands. This early advantage is particularly valuable in second and subsequent wheats, where soil-borne diseases and other stress factors can hinder uniform establishment.
Results from trials demonstrate that using Prosper ST can lead to better biomass accumulation, enhanced tillering, and stronger early root mass. These benefits collectively support higher yield potential and improved resilience under variable conditions, setting the stage for better performance at harvest.
Selecting varieties for second and subsequent wheats
Choosing a suitable variety is important. Varieties for these slots should offer:
- Strong disease resistance, particularly to eyespot and other cereal diseases that persist in intensive rotations.
- Proven performance in late drilling conditions, as these crops are often sown later to mitigate agronomic pressures.
- Reliable yield potential in second wheat scenarios.
- Excellent grain quality, including high specific weight to meet market requirements even under tough conditions.
Variety options to consider
Based on the AHDB Recommended List (Winter Wheat 2025/26), there are a few varieties that perform well as second wheat and late-drilled slots:
| Variety | UKFM Group | 2nd wheat yield (% controls) | Late drilled yield (% controls) | Eyespot rating (1–9) | Specific weight (kg/hl) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KWS Zyatt | 1 | 100 | 97 | 7 with Pch1 | 78.7 |
| KWS Arnie | 2 | 105 | 101 | 5 | 79.1 |
| KWS Palladium | 2 | 100 | 100 | 6 | 77.7 |
| Bamford | 3 | 106 | 104 | 6 with Pch1 | 78.7 |
| LG Beowulf | 4H | 105 | 106 | 6 | 78.5 |
(Note: Eyespot ratings are based on the 2025/26 Recommended List and may change depending on emerging disease pressures.)
Combining strategies for the best results
By combining targeted seed treatments like Prosper ST with carefully selected varieties, growers can improve early crop resilience, protect yield potential, and better manage the specific risks associated with second and subsequent wheats. Investing in this integrated approach helps build stronger, more reliable crops that are better equipped to meet both agronomic and market demands.
