Desk study to evaluate contributory causes of the current yield plateau in wheat and oilseed rape
Genetics /
PR502 /
Published: 13 November 2012
To address the lack of progression in UK average farm yields for wheat and oilseed rape, national yield trends were analysed in relation to cropped area, genetic improvement, weather patterns, economic influences, crop nutrition and protection, plus other aspects of agronomy (project 3760). |
Adapting wheat to global warming (ERYCC)
Genetics /
PR496 /
Published: 18 July 2012
In future years, UK wheat is likely to be grown under earlier and more frequently stressed conditions due to climate change. In this project, 64 UK, French and other elite varieties (the ERYCC panel) released between 1953 and 2008 were characterised to inform breeders of trait sources and trends associated with adaptation of wheat to these conditions. Dates of key growth stages, yield stability traits (e.g. stem reserves, ear fertility) and yield determining traits were measured in nine experiments in Eastern England between 2008 and 2010, augmented by data from a further six experiments between 2007 and 2010. Specific additional experiments tested the 64 varieties responses to vernalisation (using a breeders vernalisation chamber) and photoperiod (using daylength extension lamps in the field), and the varieties were typed for major genes controlling height and responses to vernalisation and photoperiod. |
Assessing the drought risk of oilseed rape to target future improvements to root systems
Environment /
SR20 (PhD) /
Published: 10 May 2012
It has been suggested that root length density in the subsoil of many UK oilseed rape crops may be insufficient to fully explore the soil horizon and therefore limit supply of water to the crop (HGCA Project Report 402). Information on water relations of oilseed rape is, however, lacking.
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Improving water use efficiency and drought tolerance in UK winter wheats
Variety trials /
PR476 /
Published: 5 July 2011
A genetically diverse set of 120 wheat varieties was evaluated for drought tolerance (DT) under irrigated and managed drought conditions in the field. There was significant variation for DT, water use efficiency (WUE), yield potential and yield stability. Although the ranking of varieties differed with each year, several varieties showed consistently better than average DT, and another set poorer than average. There was significant variation between varieties for anatomical and physiological traits associated with performance under water-limited conditions.
The full technical report for this project will be available at a later date. |
Novel Resources for Oilseed Rape Breeding Improving Harvest Index (NOVORB-HI)
Genetics /
PR465 /
Published: 21 June 2010
At the end of the season, the proportion of harvested product relative to the total above-ground biomass of the plant is termed the Harvest Index. |
Potential improvement of canopy management in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) by exploiting advances in root to shoot signalling
Genetics /
SR12 (PhD) /
Published: 28 May 2009
Potential improvement of canopy management in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) by exploiting advances in root to shoot signalling |
An up-to-date cost:benefit analysis of precision farming techniques to guide growers of cereals and oilseeds
Weeds /
RR71 /
Published: 20 May 2009
Economic benefits may result from higher yields, saved inputs or faster work rates, and depend on farm size, cropping and the amount of soil, crop or yield variation as well as crop values and input prices. |
‘Canopy management’ and late nitrogen applications to improve yield of oilseed rape
Genetics /
PR447 /
Published: 13 March 2009
This project developed and tested canopy management principles that will help growers achieve an optimum sized canopy through the correct timing and rate of nitrogen (N) fertiliser. |
Preliminary assessment of the effect of brassinosteroids on yield in winter wheat
Genetics /
PR411 /
Published: 3 May 2007
The aim of this pilot project was to investigate whether the application of brassinosteroids increases yield in wheat grown under UK field conditions. |
The policy environment for publicly-funded research on cereals and oilseeds
Variety trials /
PR409 /
Published: 25 January 2007
This report provides information about the policy environment for publicly funded research on cereals and oilseeds as part of the review for research and development strategy 2007-10. |
