A new variety of feed wheat called Hereford makes its debut in the county this season in trials at ADAS Rosemaund.

The variety is the highest yielding candidate for the 2008 recommended list and has some good agronomic characteristics, says ADAS research scientist Jonathan Blake.

It has good straw length, offering mixed farmers a valuable straw yield, and good resistance to septoria tritici and mildew, two of the biggest disease threats in the county.

And it has also been shown to perform well as a second wheat.

However, Hereford, as with all the highest yielding varieties, does have some weak points and will need careful management, says Mr Blake.

It is very susceptible to brown rust, which, although not usually a problem in this area, has been widespread this season. In addition, it is prone to lodging.

Growers will need to consider their lodging control strategies, as well as their fungicide strategy closely before growing this variety. Its weakness to lodging is likely to mean it will not be well suited to mid-September or earlier sowings.

It may also need an ear wash fungicide to keep brown rust out of the crop late in the season.

l Hereford is one of 32 wheat varieties to be demonstrated at the ADAS Rosemaund open day on Tuesday. The event, supported by the HGCA, will focus on arable research, and is an excellent opportunity to see HGCA research in action. All the major plant breeders and agrochemical companies will be demonstrating their work and a broad range of ADAS national experts will be on hand discussing a wide range of topics, including cereal varieties, fungicide resistance, pest management, crop performance and nutrition, and oilseed rape management.

In addition, following a review of the event layout, the demonstrations and trials are much more user-friendly this season, with most demonstration points being within two fields. Gates are open from 11am to 4pm and admission is free.