Latest Nexera oilseed rape variety gives outstanding field performance

UK - August 30, 2006

Yields of the new high oleic, low linoleic (HOLL) spring oilseed rape variety Nex 170, grown for the first time in the UK this year, have surpassed all expectations, says United Oilseeds.

Richard Monk who farms near Stockbridge in Hampshire was one of the first growers to harvest Nex 170, achieving yields of over 3 t/ha across 16 ha.  Nex 170 is the latest from the Nexera family of spring oilseed rape, bred for its unique oil characteristics without sacrificing yield.

Sown in early April Mr Monk harvested the crop direct on 12th and 14th August.  The seed, imported from Dow AgroSciences' breeding programme in Denmark and multiplied up in New Zealand, will be marketed by United Oilseeds.  Mr Monk has past experience with Nexera.  "I've grown Nex 160 for the past three years.  Nex 170 is slightly earlier maturing, and has yielded more that its sister variety".

Independent trials at NIAB also confirm the excellent potential of Nex 170, with an increase in yield of over 0.5 t/ha.

"The great field performance from Nex 170 reinforces that with attractive premiums for the 2007 crop Nexera is a real alternative to linseed, peas, beans, malting barley and even sugar beet for those growers looking for a high value, low input crop this spring," says United Oilseeds' Commercial Manager Ian Munnery.