• nabim reports that Claire is a good biscuit wheat that continues to be the benchmark for Group 3. It is popular with millers for its good dough extensibility characteristics.

•    Classified as uks soft wheat. Meets the specifications of the export brand and has support from end-users.

• Rated as "moderate" for distilling.

• Liked by growers because it has performed well in a range of situations but it is now at a significant yield disadvantage to several newer varieties.

• Performs relatively poorly in the North.

• A slow developing variety it is useful for early drilling and gives its best in this slot.

• Moderate resistance to lodging.

• Good resistance to yellow rust, Septoria nodorum and Fusarium ear blight but is susceptible to mildew.

• One of a group of varieties - Alchemy, Claire, Deben, Istabraq and Zebedee -which are now moderately susceptible to a race of brown rust that has become widespread.

• Breeder/ UK Agent: Nickerson (www.nickersonseeds.co.uk ).

Page updated January 2008.