Recommended Lists variety comments for cereals and oilseed rape

The AHDB Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) delivers variety-performance data. With information on yield and quality, agronomic features and market options, use these variety-specific comments (alongside the main RL tables) to identify promising varieties for your farm.

Introducing your RL varieties for 2026/27

Comments for RL varieties 2026/27 (download file)

Information on varietal parentage (where known) is shown in bold.

Access the tables on the RL homepage (all RL 2026/27 varieties)

Winter wheat

Winter oilseed rape

Winter barley

Spring barley

Important notes

The comments on this web page relate to all varieties on RL 2026/27
This edition was first released on 1 December 2025

Wheat varieties

Winter wheat 2026/27

Please note that comments made on resistance to orange wheat blossom midge and Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) are based on advice from plant breeders. These have not been verified in RL tests.

UKFM Group 1

Arlington (NEW)

Marston x Skyfall

Quality: This new addition is a provisional UKFM Group 1 variety recommended for the UK. It has given high Hagbergs, specific weights and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This short, stiff-strawed variety has a high yield potential in the East region and on heavy soils. Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given very high yields in untreated UK trials. Arlington has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene.

Arlington is a provisional UKFM Group 1 variety. This rating will be confirmed in Spring 2026 once commercial assessments have been completed.

UKFM comment: Over three years of testing, this variety showed good gluten quality and water absorption, with a good baking performance. Nitrogen applications may have to be adjusted to achieve protein specifications.

The Group rating will be confirmed in March 2026 following commercial milling and baking assessments.

Crusoe – ukp

Cordiale x Gulliver

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and has consistently given good proteins.

Agronomy: This short and stiff-strawed variety has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici but is very susceptible to brown rust.

UKFM comment: This variety has consistently demonstrated good protein content and quality. The bread crumb structure is notably white and of good quality. The baking performance of this variety is good, and consequently it remains popular with millers.

KWS Vibe

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety with high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This medium-tall, stiff-strawed variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. It has no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. KWS Vibe has high resistance to yellow rust, septoria tritici and mildew (based on limited data), and it carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene.

UKFM comment: This variety shows good protein content and gluten quality. The baking performance is good.

KWS Zyatt – ukp

Quartz x Hereford

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This stiff-strawed variety has given high treated yields in the West and North regions, in a first cereal position, on heavier soil and in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It has high resistance to brown rust, eyespot and mildew (based on limited data), and it carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is very susceptible to yellow rust.

UKFM comment: This variety is popular with millers as it shows good gluten strength and milling quality alongside a good baking performance. Nitrogen applications may have to be adjusted to achieve protein specifications.

RGT Illustrious

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: RGT Illustrious has given its best relative performance in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data) and carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is a medium-tall and stiff-strawed variety. RGT Illustrious is no longer under test in RL trials.

UKFM comment: This variety has a higher level of water absorption (a good feature) and demonstrates good breadmaking potential, even at lower protein levels. Nitrogen applications may have to be adjusted to achieve protein specifications.

Skyfall

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety with high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: It is an awned wheat with stiff straw. It has high resistance to brown rust and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is very susceptible to yellow rust. It has a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

UKFM comment: Large quantities of this variety continue to be seen by millers, and it is popular owing to good milling and baking qualities. Nitrogen applications may have to be adjusted to achieve protein specifications.

SY Cheer

KWS Trinity x Expert

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety with high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: SY Cheer has given its best relative performance in the North region. It has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data) but is susceptible to eyespot. It is a medium-tall variety with relatively stiff straw.

UKFM comment: This variety shows good protein, high specific weight and a strong gluten quality. The baking performance is good, although slight variation has been seen. Nitrogen applications may have to be adjusted to achieve protein specifications.

UKFM Group 2

KWS Arnie

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety with high Hagbergs and specific weights. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has a very high treated yield potential in the East and West regions, on heavier soils and across a range of rotational positions. It has also performed well in the North region and on lighter soils. KWS Arnie has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici. It is a medium-tall, stiff-strawed variety.

UKFM comment: This variety shows protein levels typical of a Group 2. Water absorption is low and this variety will not be suited for all grists.

KWS Equipe – ukp

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety recommended for the East and West regions. It is classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This tall, relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields in the East and West regions, in a first cereal position, on heavier soils and in a late sowing situation (based on limited data). KWS Equipe has given very high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust, brown rust, septoria tritici and mildew (based on limited data). It is susceptible to eyespot.

UKFM comment: This variety shows protein levels typical of a Group 2. Gluten quality and bake performance are acceptable. Water absorption is low, and this variety will not be suited for all grists.

KWS Extase – ukp

Boisseau x Solehio

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields throughout the UK, across a range of rotational positions, soil types and sowing dates. KWS Extase has given very high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to yellow rust, brown rust and septoria tritici but is susceptible to eyespot. It is a medium-tall variety.

UKFM comment: This variety has protein levels that are typical of a Group 2. It shows some variability in its baking performance.

KWS Grebe – ukp (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 2 variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This short, stiff-strawed variety has a very high treated yield potential in the North region (based on limited data). KWS Grebe has high treated yields in the East and West regions, on heavy soils and across rotational positions. This relatively early maturing variety has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to orange wheat blossom midge.

UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed protein and water absorption levels typical of a Group 2. The gluten quality was acceptable but there was some variability in bake performance.

KWS Palladium

KWS Zyatt x KWS Trinity

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety with high Hagbergs. It has given good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields in the West and North regions. KWS Palladium has high resistance to septoria tritici and mildew (based on limited data) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a relatively short, stiff-strawed variety.

UKFM comment: This variety has protein levels that are typical of a Group 2 and higher levels of water absorption (a good feature) than most Group 2 varieties. It shows some variability in its baking performance.

LG Shergar

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential in the North region and has given high treated yields in the East and West regions, in a first cereal position and across a range of soil types and sowing dates (based on limited data). LG Shergar has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data). It is a short, stiff-strawed variety. LG Shergar is no longer under test in RL trials.

UKFM comment: This variety shows protein levels and water absorption typical of a Group 2. The bake performance is good but shows some variability.

Mayflower – ukp

Ascott x Armada

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety, classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. Mayflower has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in an early sowing situation and high yields in UK untreated trials. Mayflower has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data) and the highest rating for resistance to septoria tritici on the recommended list for winter wheat 2026/27. It carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene but is susceptible to yellow rust. This medium-tall variety has moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators. Mayflower is no longer under test in RL trials.

UKFM comment: This variety shows good protein levels and higher levels of water absorption (a good feature) than most Group 2 varieties. It shows some variability in its baking performance.

RGT Goldfinch

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety with a specific recommendation for its resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high Hagbergs and good proteins under a regime to achieve milling specification.

Agronomy: This late maturing variety has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data) and septoria tritici and the highest rating for resistance to brown rust and yellow rust on the recommended list for winter wheat 2026/27. It has resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. This medium-tall variety has very weak straw that requires careful management.

UKFM comment: This variety shows good protein and water absorption. Whilst the bake performance is generally good, there is some variability.

The potential for this variety to be grown without the use of insecticides will be of interest to some end users.

UKFM Group 3

Bamford – uks, distilling: medium

Quality: A UKFM Group 3 variety with a high specific weight. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields in the West and North regions, in an early sowing situation, on lighter soils and across a range of rotational positions. It has a high yield potential in the East region, in a late sowing situation and on heavier soils. Bamford has given high yields in untreated UK trials and carries the Pch1 eyespot resistance gene. It is a medium-tall variety. Limited data suggests that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

UKFM comment: This variety shows good specific weights and gluten quality that meet the Group 3 criteria.

KWS Flute – uks, distilling: medium

Quality: A UKFM Group 3 variety recommended for the North region. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields in the North region, on lighter soils, across a range of rotational positions and in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It has a high yield potential on heavier soils and in a late sowing situation (based on limited data). KWS Flute has high resistance to yellow rust and has resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to brown rust and mildew (based on limited data). This short variety has moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators.

UKFM comment: This variety shows gluten quality that meets the Group 3 criteria.

KWS Solitaire – uks, distilling: high

Quality: A UKFM Group 3 variety. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘high’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK, on heavier soils, across a range of rotational positions and in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It also has a high yield potential on lighter soils and in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). KWS Solitaire has resistance to orange wheat blossom midge and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This medium-tall variety is relatively weak strawed and requires careful management. Limited data suggests that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

UKFM comment: This variety shows gluten quality that meets the Group 3 criteria.

Soft Group 4

Blackstone – distilling: medium

Quality: A soft-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given high treated yields in the North region, on lighter soils and in a late sowing situation. It has high resistance to fusarium ear blight and resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is a medium-tall variety with relatively stiff straw.

KWS Zealum – distilling: medium

KWS Basset x Reflection

Quality: A soft-milling feed variety recommended for the North region. It is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given high treated yields in the North region, on lighter soils, in an early sowing situation and in a second cereal position (based on limited data). KWS Zealum has high resistance to yellow rust and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is a medium-tall variety.

LG Redwald – distilling: medium

LG Sundance x LG Generation

Quality: A soft-milling feed variety recommended for the East and West regions. It has a low specific weight. It is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given very high treated yields in the East and West regions, on light soils and across a range of rotational positions. It also has a high yield potential across a range of sowing dates and on heavier soils. LG Redwald has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to brown rust and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot. This medium-tall variety is weak strawed and requires careful management. Limited data suggests that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

RGT Hexton – uks, distilling: medium

Quality: A soft-milling feed variety with a low specific weight. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘medium’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given very high treated yields in the North region, on light soils, in a second cereal position and in an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It also has high yield potential in the East region, on heavier soils and a first cereal position. RGT Hexton has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to brown rust. It is a medium-tall variety.

Sparkler – uks, distilling: high (NEW)

Graham x LG Skyscraper

Quality: This new addition is a soft-milling feed variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a uks soft wheat for export and is rated as ‘high’ for distilling.

Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on some limited data). Sparkler has high resistance to yellow rust and septoria tritici and has given high yields in UK untreated trials. It is susceptible to brown rust. This medium-tall variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management.

Hard Group 4

Champion

DSV20122 x Reflection

Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has a low specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions, sowing dates and on heavier soils. It has also performed well on lighter soils. Champion has high resistance to septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to yellow rust and eyespot. It is a medium-tall variety with moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It has a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

Graham

Premio x Expert

Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs.

Agronomy: This relatively early maturing variety has given high treated yields in the West and North regions, in a first cereal position and an early sowing situation. It has given high yields in untreated UK trials and has high resistance to yellow rust and fusarium ear blight. It is susceptible to eyespot. Graham is a medium-tall variety with relatively stiff straw.

KWS Aintree (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a hard-milling feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights.

KWS Dawsum

KWS Kerrin x Costello

Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights.

Agronomy: This relatively short-strawed variety has a very high yield potential in the North region and on lighter soils. It has also performed well across a range of sowing dates and in a second cereal position. KWS Dawsum has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has high resistance to brown rust, fusarium ear blight and mildew (based on limited data). It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety.

KWS Fowlmere – ukp (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a hard-milling feed variety recommended for the UK. It is classified as a ukp bread wheat for export. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights.

Agronomy: This early maturing variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on some limited data). It has given high yields in UK untreated trials. KWS Fowlmere has high resistance to fusarium ear blight (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. This medium-tall variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management.

KWS Scope

Quality: A hard-milling feed variety. It has given high specific weights.

Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK, across a range of rotational positions and on heavier soils. It has also performed well on lighter soils and in a late sowing situation (based on limited data). KWS Scope has high resistance to septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to yellow rust and eyespot. This medium-tall variety is stiff strawed.

LG Beowulf

Costello x Gleam

Quality: A hard-milling feed variety.

Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has given very high treated yields in North region, in a first cereal position and a late sowing situation. It has also performed well in the East and West regions, across a range of soil types, in a second cereal position and an early sowing situation. LG Beowulf has resistance to orange wheat blossom midge but is susceptible to yellow rust. This medium-tall variety is relatively stiff strawed.

LG Challenger (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a hard-milling feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights.

Agronomy: This medium-tall variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on some limited data). It has given very high yields in UK untreated trials. LG Challenger has high resistance to mildew, yellow rust and fusarium ear blight (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. Limited data suggests that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

LG Defiance (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a hard-milling feed variety recommended for the UK.

Agronomy: This variety has a very high treated yield potential throughout the UK and across a range of rotational positions and soil types (based on some limited data). It has given very high yields in UK untreated trials. LG Defiance has high resistance to mildew, yellow rust and fusarium ear blight (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. This tall variety has relatively weak straw that requires careful management.

LG Typhoon

Garrus x LGW88

Quality: A hard-milling feed variety.

Agronomy: This relatively late maturing variety has high resistance to septoria tritici, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to eyespot. It is relatively stiff strawed.

RGT Guardsman (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a hard-milling feed variety with a specific recommendation for resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has a low specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields throughout the UK and has a very high yield potential in a second cereal position. It has given high yields in UK untreated trials. RGT Guardsman has high resistance to yellow rust and is the only winter wheat variety on the recommended list for 2026/27 rated as ‘r’ for resistance to yellow rust at the young plant stage. It is a medium-tall variety with very weak straw that requires careful management. Limited data suggests that this variety may have a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

SY Insitor

(Hereford x Oakley) x Hereford

Quality: A hard-milling feed variety recommended for the North region. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights.

Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields in the North region, on lighter soils, in a second cereal position and an early sowing situation (based on limited data). It has also given high treated yields in a first cereal position. SY Insitor has high resistance to septoria tritici and fusarium ear blight, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is susceptible to yellow rust and eyespot. This medium-tall variety has moderate straw strength but responds well to plant growth regulators. It has a tendency to sprout, so it should be given priority at harvest.

Spring wheat 2026

Please note that comments made on resistance to orange wheat blossom midge are based on advice from plant breeders. It has not been verified in RL tests.

UKFM Group 1

Charland (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing, with a specific recommendation for white grain wheat. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights, combined with good grain proteins.

Agronomy: Charland has high resistance to brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. It is, however, susceptible to yellow rust. It is a short and relatively early maturing variety.

UKFM comment: Over the three years of testing, this variety showed good protein, gluten quality and baking performance.

This variety is a white wheat and will be of specific interest to some end users. As a white wheat, close attention should be paid to the management of Hagberg Falling Number.

KWS Harsum

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and good grain proteins.

Agronomy: This short variety has given treated yields that are a significant step up in its UKFM Group 1 segment. KWS Harsum has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.

UKFM comment: This variety has lower protein than other Group 1 spring wheats, but the gluten strength is good and consistent. Baking performance is good, with only slight variation seen.

KWS Ladum

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.

Agronomy: KWS Ladum is a short variety with high resistance to mildew (based on limited data).

UKFM comment: This variety has good protein levels and gluten quality, although slight variation is seen in the baking quality.

Mulika

Paragon x (Tybalt x Robigus)

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. Mulika gives high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It remains a popular choice with growers.

Agronomy: Mulika is a short variety and has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.

UKFM comment: This variety has good protein levels, but the gluten quality is weaker than the other Group 1 spring varieties, and there is some variability in its baking performance.

Nissaba

Hathaway x BA W54

Quality: A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.

Agronomy: This variety has given treated yields from spring sowings that are comparable to Mulika. Nissaba is a short variety with high resistance to brown rust, combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.

UKFM comment: This variety has good protein levels and gluten quality, although slight variation is seen in the baking quality.

STR Pace

STRU 030486 x KWS Chamsin x Lennox

Quality:A UKFM Group 1 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It has a high specific weight, the highest for a UKFM Group 1 variety on the recommended list for spring wheat 2026.

Agronomy:This variety has given treated yields that are a significant step up in its UKFM Group 1 segment. It has high resistance to brown rust and mildew (based on limited data). It is a short and relatively early maturing variety.

UKFM comment: This variety shows good specific weight and water absorption (a good feature). The gluten quality and baking performance is good.

UKFM Group 2

KWS Alicium

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It has a high specific weight, the highest for a UKFM Group 2 variety on the recommended list for spring wheat 2026.

Agronomy: This early maturing variety has given high treated yields in spring sowings. KWS Alicium has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.

UKFM comment: This variety shows high specific weights and good gluten quality, although slight variability is seen in the baking performance.

KWS Bezique

Quality: A UKFM Group 2 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and specific weights and good grain proteins.

Agronomy: This short variety has given high treated yields in spring sowings. KWS Bezique has no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data), combined with resistance to orange wheat blossom midge.

UKFM comment: This variety shows low protein but good water absorption. Slight variability is seen in the baking performance.

WPB Mylo

Quality:A UKFM Group 2 variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.

Agronomy:This short variety has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to brown rust, septoria tritici and mildew (based on limited data).

UKFM comment: This variety has shown good analytical quality, although slight variability is seen in the baking performance.

Group 4 feed

Everlong

(LW018W004-01 x Lennon) x WPB010W57-02

Quality: Everlong is a hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins. It has a high specific weight, the highest for a Group 4 variety on the recommended list for spring wheat 2026.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields from spring sowings. It has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to yellow rust and brown rust. It is a short and relatively early maturing variety.

KWS Fixum

Quality: A hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given good grain proteins.

Agronomy: This variety has a given high treated yields from spring sowings. KWS Fixum has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to mildew (based on limited data). It is a short and relatively late maturing variety. KWS Fixum is no longer under test in RL trials.

Merkawa (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.

Agronomy: It has given high treated yields in spring sowings. Merkawa has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to yellow rust and brown rust. It is a short and relatively early maturing variety.

Ophelia

Quality: A hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given high specific weights and good grain proteins.

Agronomy: Ophelia has no major weaknesses in disease resistance, with high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data). It is a short and relatively early maturing variety.

WPB Clifden (NEW)

Quality: This new addition is a hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given high Hagbergs and good grain proteins.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in spring sowings. WPB Clifden is a short variety with very high resistance to mildew.

WPB Fraser

Quality: WPB Fraser is a hard feed variety for spring sowing. It has given good grain proteins but low Hagbergs and specific weights.

Agronomy: This short variety has given high treated yields from spring sowings. It has high resistance to yellow rust and mildew (based on limited data).

Barley varieties

Winter barley 2026/27

Please note that comments made on resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), Barley mild mosaic virus (BaMMV) and Barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) strain 1 are based on advice from plant breeders. These have not been verified in RL tests.

UK winter malting barley market share is given as a percentage (%) of Malting Association of Great Britain (MAGB) member purchases.

Two-row malting

Buccaneer

Zophia x SJ 128225

Quality: Fully approved by the Malting Barley Committee (MBC) for the production of malt for brewing.

Agronomy: This tall, two-row variety has given its best relative performance in the East region and on heavier soils. Buccaneer has high resistance to brown rust and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1).

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2024. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.

Craft

SY 208-56 x SY Venture

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for the production of malt for brewing, with a high specific weight.

Agronomy: This tall and stiff-strawed two-row variety has given its best relative performance on heavier soils. It has high resistance to brown rust and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has a high specific weight.

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2018. Craft secured 48% of the total UK winter malting barley purchased from 2024 crop, retaining highest market share.

MBC approved list – winter barley
Brewing use Full approval: Craft, Buccaneer, Flagon
Malt distilling use None approved
Varieties for special use Full approval: SY Vessel – malt distilling

MBC approved list – winter barley

Brewing use

Full approval: Craft, Buccaneer, Flagon

Malt distilling use

None approved

Varieties for special use

Full approval: SY Vessel – malt distilling

SY Vessel is a non-GN winter barley with MBC special use full approval for malt distilling. SY Vessel was withdrawn from the RL process by the breeder before it was considered for inclusion, owing to there being no separate special end-use category at that time.

Flagon is a winter malting barley that was removed from the RL in 2015 due to low certified seed area, but it has since increased its market share and is approved by the MBC for brewing.

Two-row feed

Bolton

KWS Cassia x California

A two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. This stiff-strawed variety has given its best relative performance in the East region and has given high treated yields on heavier soils. Bolton has high resistance to brown rust and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has a high specific weight. Bolton is no longer under test in RL trials.

Darcie (NEW)

Valerie x KWS Orwell

This new addition is a high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the East region. It has a very high treated yield potential in the East region and has given high treated yields on heavier soils. Darcie has high resistance to rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) and is also resistant to BaYMV strain 2. It has a very high specific weight.

Kitty

Valerie x LMGN3601

A two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given high treated yields on heavier soils and has a very high yield potential in the North region. Kitty has high resistance to rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) and is also resistant to BaYMV strain 2. It is a late maturing, stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data). It has a very high specific weight, the highest on the recommended list for winter barley 2026/27.

KWS Tardis

11-12 x KWS Orwell

A two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. This stiff-strawed variety has given high treated yields on heavier soils. KWS Tardis is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has a high specific weight.

KWS Valencis

KWS Tardis x KWS Caribou

A very high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has performed well across all regions and soil types and has a very high yield potential in the East region and on heavier soils. KWS Valencis has no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to brown rust. It has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) and has a high specific weight.

LG Capitol

LGBU11-5495-B x KWS Moselle

A very high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has performed well across all regions and soil types and has a very high treated yield potential in the East region and on heavier soils. LG Capitol has high resistance to mildew and brown rust and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has a high specific weight.

LG Caravelle

LGBU11-5495-B x KWS Moselle

A high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has performed well across all regions and soil types and has a very high treated yield potential in the East region and on heavier soils. LG Caravelle has no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It has high resistance to mildew and brown rust and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with a very high specific weight.

LG Carpenter

LG Casting x UN3201

A two-row feed variety with a specific recommendation for the East and West regions for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high treated yields in the East region and on heavier soils. It has no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. LG Carpenter has high resistance to brown rust and rhynchosporium. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data) that requires careful management. It has a very high specific weight.

LG Catapult (NEW)

This new addition is a high-yielding two-row feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high treated yields in the West region (based on limited data) and on heavier soils and has a very high yield potential for the East region. LG Catapult has high resistance to brown rust and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It has a very high specific weight.

NOS Olena

LG Globetrotter x Bordeaux

A high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given high treated yields in the East region and has a very high yield potential in the North region and across both light and heavier soils. It has no major weaknesses in disease resistance. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) and has a high specific weight.

Organa

NOS9042-16 x Normandy

A two-row feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has given high treated yields in the East region. Organa has high resistance to mildew, brown rust and rhynchosporium and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) but is susceptible to net blotch. This tall variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data) but responds well to plant growth regulators. Organa has a high specific weight.

Russo

Bordeaux x Return

A high-yielding two-row feed variety recommended for the East region. It has given high treated yields on heavier soils and has a very high yield potential in the East region. Russo is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It has a high specific weight.

SU Arion

Lautetia x Nord 17150/22

A two-row feed variety recommended for the East and North regions. It has given very high treated yields in the East region and has performed well over both light and heavier soils. It has no major weaknesses in disease resistance. SU Arion has high resistance to mildew and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a relatively tall variety with moderate straw strength that requires careful management (based on limited data).

Valerie

207-589 x Sandra

A two-row feed variety recommended for the UK. This variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. Valerie has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) and is also resistant to BaYMV strain 2. Valerie is stiff strawed with a very high specific weight. It is no longer under test in RL trials.

Six-row feed

Integral

Amistar x Pixel

A six-row (non-hybrid) feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). This variety has given high treated yields in the West region (based on limited data) and on heavier soils. Integral is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is susceptible to mildew. Integral is stiff strawed (based on limited data) and relatively short for a six-row variety.

Inys

A very high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety recommended for the UK. It has a very high yield potential in the East and North regions and across light and heavier soils. Inys has high resistance to mildew and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a tall, relatively stiff-strawed (based on limited data) and relatively early maturing variety.

KWS Feeris

Amistar x KWS Kosmos

A six-row (non-hybrid) feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). KWS Feeris is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is relatively stiff strawed and a relatively short six-row variety. KWS Feeris is no longer under test in RL trials.

SY Barnabus (NEW)

This new addition is a very high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety recommended for the UK. It has performed well across all regions and soil types, with a very high yield potential in the East and West regions (based on limited data) and on both light and heavier soils. Over the three years of testing, it has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance. SY Barnabus has high resistance to mildew, brown rust and rhynchosporium and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a tall variety with a very high specific weight.

SY Canyon

A high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety recommended for the UK. It has given high treated yields in the East region and has a very high yield potential in the North region and on lighter soils. SY Canyon has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This tall variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It has a very high specific weight, the highest for a six-row variety on the recommended list for winter barley 2026/27.

SY Kestrel

A six-row hybrid feed variety with a specific recommendation for the UK for its resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). It has a high treated yield potential on lighter soils. It has no major weaknesses in disease resistance. SY Kestrel has high resistance to mildew and rhynchosporium and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is the only variety on the recommended list for winter barley 2026/27 to have both resistance to BYDV and tolerance to wheat dwarf virus (WDV). It is a tall, relatively stiff-strawed (based on limited data) and relatively early maturing variety.

SY Kingsbarn

A very high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety recommended for the UK. This variety has performed well across all regions and across soil types. It has a very high treated yield potential in both the West and North regions and on lighter soils. SY Kingsbarn has high resistance to mildew and is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). This tall variety has moderate straw strength that requires careful management. It has a high specific weight.

SY Quantock

A very high-yielding six-row hybrid feed variety recommended for the UK. This variety has performed well across all regions and soil types. It has a very high yield potential in the West (based on limited data) and North regions and on both light and heavier soils. SY Quantock has high resistance to mildew, brown rust and rhynchosporium and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is resistant to the common strains of barley mosaic viruses (BaMMV and BaYMV strain 1). It is a tall and relatively early maturing variety. SY Quantock has a very high specific weight.

Spring barley 2026

The mlo resistance gene in barley confers almost complete resistance to barley powdery mildew. All spring barley varieties on the current recommended list carry this gene and can, therefore, be assumed to be resistant to powdery mildew.

UK spring malting barley market share is given as a percentage (%) of Malting Association of Great Britain (MAGB) member purchases.

Malting

Belter

Cosmopolitan x Laureate

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing with potential for malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential in the West. Belter has high resistance to mildew and net blotch and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a late maturing, short and relatively stiff-strawed variety with high resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved in 2025 by the MBC for brewing use from 2026 crop. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.

Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting and distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.

Bounty

Laureate x RGT Planet

Quality: Potential for brewing use. It has a low specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields throughout the UK. Bounty has high resistance to mildew and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a late maturing, short and relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting and brewing. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.

Firecracker

Firefoxx x Spinner

Quality: Potential for both brewing and malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high treated yield potential in the West region (based on limited data). Firecracker has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to net blotch (based on limited data) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting, brewing and distilling. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.

Firefoxx

Chanson x Acorn

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use. It tends to give a lower specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields throughout the UK. Firefoxx has high resistance to mildew and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a short and relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use since 2022. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.

KWS Enduris

Quality: Potential for both brewing and malt distilling use. It tends to give a lower specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the West (based on limited data) and North regions. KWS Enduris has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is susceptible to brown rust. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.

KWS Sassy

Concerto x Publican

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. KWS Sassy has high resistance to mildew. It is a relatively tall, late maturing variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved for malt distilling use since 2017. KWS Sassy continues to hold its share of the UK spring barley market at around 7%. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.

Laureate

Sanette x Concerto

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for both brewing and malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the West and North regions. Laureate has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to net blotch. It is a short variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling since 2017. Laureate continues to dominate the UK spring barley market, with just over 63% market share.

LG Aquarius

LGBN14223-3 x LGBU15-4572-C

Quality: Potential for brewing use.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the West region and has a very high treated yield potential in the East region. LG Aquarius has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Currently under commercial assessment by the MBC for malting and brewing. Growers are advised to speak to merchants before committing to this or other varieties in this position.

LG Diablo

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for both brewing and malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. LG Diablo has high resistance to mildew and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a late maturing variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for malt distilling use since 2019, and for brewing use since 2020.

LG Diablo retains its share of the UK spring barley market at around 10%.

Nolan (NEW)

LG Figaro x SJ180776

Quality: This new addition is recommended for the UK. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use. It tends to give a low specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the North and West regions (based on limited data). Nolan has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to net blotch (based on limited data) but is susceptible to brown rust. This short variety has moderate resistance to brackling.

Olsen

LG Diablo x SJ180777

Quality: Potential for both brewing and malt distilling use. It has a low specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions. It has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. Olsen is a late maturing, stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

Ptarmigan

Skyway x Hurler

Quality: Potential for both brewing and malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high treated yield potential in the West region (based on limited data). Ptarmigan has very high resistance mildew and high resistance to net blotch (based on limited data) and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.

RGT Planet

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing.

Agronomy: This variety has given its best relative performance in the North region. RGT Planet has very high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2016. RGT Planet held just over 11% of spring malting barley purchased from England 2024 crop.

Roulette (NEW)

(LG Tosca x Spinner) x SY Fable

Quality: This new addition is recommended for the UK. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential in the West region (based on limited data). Roulette has very high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is susceptible to rhynchosporium. This later maturing variety has moderate resistance to brackling.

Shona (NEW)

Firefoxx x LG Serengeti

Quality: This new addition is recommended for the East region. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields in the East region. Shona has high resistance to mildew and net blotch (based on limited data) but is susceptible to brown rust and rhynchosporium. It has moderate resistance to brackling.

Skyway

RGT Planet x NOS 2105-11

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing. It has a high specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given high treated yields in the East and West regions. It has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing since 2023. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.

SY Arrow

(Laureate x SY Splendor) x SY Bronte

Quality: Potential for both brewing and malt distilling use. It has a low specific weight.

Agronomy: SY Arrow has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential in the West region (based on limited data). It has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to rhynchosporium and net blotch (based on limited data). It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.

SY Tennyson

SY Splendor x LG Diablo

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for both brewing and malt distilling use. It has a low specific weight.

Agronomy: This variety has given its best relative performance in the East and North regions. SY Tennyson has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a late maturing and relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Fully approved by the MBC for brewing and malt distilling in 2024. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.

Trailblazer (NEW)

Skyway x Hurler

Quality: This new addition is recommended for the UK. It is under test for both brewing and malt distilling use.

Agronomy: This variety has given very high treated yields across all regions (based on some limited data). Trailblazer has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to net blotch (based on limited data) but is susceptible to brown rust. It is a stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data) with moderate resistance to brackling.

MBC approved list – spring barley
Brewing use Full approval: Belter, Laureate, RGT Planet, LG Diablo, Skyway, SY Tennyson Provisional approval: LG Aquarius, Bounty, Olsen, Firecracker, Ptarmigan, KWS Enduris, SY Arrow, Nolan
Malt distilling use Full approval: Laureate, KWS Sassy, LG Diablo, Firefoxx, SY Tennyson Provisional approval: Belter, Olsen, Firecracker, Ptarmigan, KWS Enduris, SY Arrow, Nolan
Varieties for special use Full approval: Fairing – grain distilling

MBC approved list – spring barley

Brewing use

Full approval: Belter, Laureate, RGT Planet, LG Diablo, Skyway, SY Tennyson

Provisional approval: LG Aquarius, Bounty, Olsen, Firecracker, Ptarmigan, KWS Enduris, SY Arrow, Nolan

Malt distilling use

Full approval: Laureate, KWS Sassy, LG Diablo, Firefoxx, SY Tennyson

Provisional approval: Belter, Olsen, Firecracker, Ptarmigan, KWS Enduris, SY Arrow, Nolan

Varieties for special use

Full approval: Fairing – grain distilling

Feed

Hurler

(RGT Planet x KWS Beckie) x Laureate

A high-yielding feed variety. This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential in West region. Hurler has high resistance to mildew and net blotch. It is a short, stiff-strawed variety with high resistance to brackling. It has a low specific weight. Hurler is no longer under test in RL trials.

NOS Gambit

Laureate x LG Nabuco

A high-yielding feed variety. This variety has given high treated yields in both the East and North regions and has a very high yield potential in West region. NOS Gambit has high resistance to mildew and net blotch and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. It is a short and relatively stiff-strawed variety with high resistance to brackling. NOS Gambit is no longer under test in RL trials.

Described

CB Score

(CB China x RGT Planet) x (Lauxana x Laureate)

Quality: A Null-Lox 4G variety, which lacks the genes for production of lipoxygenase and dimethyl sulphate, both of which can affect beer quality. Described for the UK.

Agronomy: This variety has consistent yields across the UK. CB Score has very high resistance to mildew and high resistance to net blotch. It is a relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

Fairing

Titouan x 144-02-4

Quality: Fully approved by the MBC for grain distilling use. Described for the UK.

Agronomy: It has high resistance to mildew, rhynchosporium and net blotch but is susceptible to brown rust. Fairing is a short, early maturing and relatively stiff-strawed variety with moderate resistance to brackling.

MAGB comment: Special use approval by the MBC for grain distilling. Growers are advised to speak to their merchants about end markets.

Oat varieties

Winter oats 2026/27

Husked

Cromwell

Mascani x 2009-215

A high-yielding husked variety. This variety has a high kernel content and high specific weight. Cromwell is a short, stiff-strawed variety (based on limited data). It is susceptible to crown rust and very susceptible to mildew.

Dalguise

Mirabel x Solva

A high-yielding husked variety with a high specific weight. Dalguise is an early maturing, tall variety with weak straw strength (based on limited data). It is susceptible to mildew and very susceptible to crown rust.

Mascani

F5 CW0112/15A/05 x Stampede

A husked variety with a high kernel content. It is a tall variety with moderate straw strength (based on limited data). Mascani remains, by far, the most popular variety with oat millers and growers, valued for its grain quality characteristics. It is less susceptible to mildew than most varieties.

Rannoch (NEW)

This new addition is a very high-yielding husked variety with tall straw. Rannoch has high resistance to the common strains of crown rust, which contributes to a high untreated yield, but is susceptible to mildew. It has a high kernel content but a low specific weight.

RGT Southwark

A very high-yielding husked variety with tall straw. RGT Southwark has given high untreated yields in UK trials but is very susceptible to mildew. It has a high specific weight.

Naked

Peloton

96-41Cn3 x 98-97Cn8

A huskless (naked) oat variety. It has shown no major weaknesses in disease resistance and has high resistance to mildew. Peloton is a tall variety with stiff straw (based on limited data). It has a high specific weight.

Spring oats 2026

Husked

Asterion

11/141 x Max

A high-yielding husked variety. Asterion has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This early maturing variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data). It has a high specific weight.

Caledon

Delfin x Komfort

A very high-yielding husked variety. It has given the highest yields for a husked variety on the recommended list for spring oats 2026. Caledon has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This early maturing variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data).

Canyon

A high-yielding husked variety. Canyon has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This early maturing variety has moderate straw strength. It has a low kernel content.

Conway

An early maturing husked variety with a moderate straw strength. Conway has a low specific weight and a low kernel content.

Jacky (NEW)

Delfin x Symphony

This new addition is a high-yielding husked variety. Jacky has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This variety is, however, susceptible to crown rust. Jacky is an early maturing variety and has moderate straw strength (based on limited data).

Merlin

Neklan x Canyon

A high-yielding husked variety. Merlin has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. However, it is susceptible to crown rust. Merlin is an early maturing variety with moderate straw strength. It has a low kernel content.

Neptun (NEW)

Lion x Delfin

This new addition is a high-yielding husked variety. Neptun has high resistance to mildew and has given high yields in untreated UK trials. This early maturing variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data). This variety has a high specific weight and high kernel content.

RGT Vaughan

An early maturing husked variety. RGT Vaughan has high resistance to mildew but is susceptible to crown rust. This variety has moderate straw strength (based on limited data). It has a high specific weight. RGT Vaughan is no longer under test in RL trials.

WPB Isabel

LW 03W0383-06 x Husky

A high-yielding husked variety with moderate straw strength. WPB Isabel is susceptible to crown rust and has a high specific weight.

Described naked

Lennon

MF9018-11801 x 13174Cn3/6n

A huskless (naked) oat variety with a high specific weight. Lennon is an early maturing, short variety with moderate straw strength (based on limited data).

Oliver

A huskless (naked) oat variety with a high specific weight. Oliver is an early maturing variety with moderate straw strength. It is very susceptible to both crown rust and susceptible to mildew.

Ovation

15051Cn111/3 x Lennon

A huskless (naked) oat variety with a high specific weight. Ovation is an early maturing variety with moderate straw strength (based on limited data). It has high resistance to mildew.

Winter oilseed rape

Winter oilseed rape 2026/27

Please note that comments made on resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV), clubroot and pod shatter resistance are based on advice from plant breeders. These have not been verified in RL tests.

Hybrid varieties

Dolphin

A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region. Dolphin is moderately resistant to verticillium and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively late maturing variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity. Dolphin is no longer under test in RL trials.

Dompteur (NEW)

This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a very high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. Dompteur has high resistance to light leaf spot and stem canker, combined with resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. Dompteur is early flowering and has resistance to pod shatter.

Hinsta

A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. Hinsta has high resistance to light leaf spot and moderate resistance to verticillium (based on limited data), combined with resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. It has resistance to pod shatter.

Karat (NEW)

This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a very high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. Karat has high resistance to light leaf spot and stem canker, combined with resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) and moderate resistance to verticillium (based on limited data). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity.

KWS Domingos (NEW)

This new addition is a hybrid variety recommended for the UK. It has given a very high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions (based on limited data). KWS Domingos has high resistance to light leaf spot and stem canker, combined with resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. KWS Domingos has resistance to pod shatter.

LG Academic

A hybrid variety recommended for the UK, giving a high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. LG Academic has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. LG Academic has resistance to pod shatter.

LG Adapt

A hybrid variety recommended for the UK, giving a very high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. LG Adapt has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. It has resistance to pod shatter.

LG Adeline

A hybrid variety recommended for the North region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. LG Adeline has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. LG Adeline has resistance to pod shatter.

LG Armada

A hybrid variety recommended for the UK, giving a high treated gross output in the East/West and North regions. LG Armada has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV), but limited data suggest it is susceptible to verticillium. It is a relatively tall variety with high resistance to lodging and good stem stiffness at maturity. It has resistance to pod shatter.

LG Avenger

A hybrid variety recommended for the North region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. LG Avenger has high resistance to light leaf spot and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV), but limited data suggest it is susceptible to verticillium. It is a relatively tall variety with high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and good stem stiffness at maturity. It has resistance to pod shatter.

Magelan

A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region. Magelan is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data) and resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. It has resistance to pod shatter.

Maverick

A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a very high treated gross output in this region. Maverick has very high resistance to stem canker and moderate resistance to verticillium, combined with resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity.

Murray

A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region. Murray has high resistance to light leaf spot and stem canker, combined with moderate resistance to verticillium. This relatively late maturing variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. It is no longer under test in RL trials.

Turing

A hybrid variety recommended for the East/West region, giving a high treated gross output in this region. Turing has high resistance to light leaf spot but is susceptible to stem canker. This early flowering variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. It is no longer under test in RL trials.

Conventional varieties

Annika

A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the East/West region. Annika has high resistance to light leaf spot, is moderately resistant to verticillium and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively late maturing variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity.

Bachus (NEW)

This new addition is a conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the UK. Bachus has given the highest treated gross output in the North region for a conventional variety on the recommended list for winter oilseed rape 2026/27. It has high resistance to lodging and is very stiff stemmed at maturity.

Pi Pinnacle

A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the UK. Pi Pinnacle has given relatively consistent treated gross outputs throughout the UK. It is susceptible to stem canker. This variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity.

Powerhouse

A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the North region. It has high resistance to light leaf spot but is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity.

Tom

A conventional, open-pollinated variety recommended for the UK. Tom has given relatively consistent treated gross outputs throughout the UK. It is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). This variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and is very stiff stemmed at maturity.

Herbicide-tolerant varieties

Beatrix CL

A Clearfield® hybrid variety for the East/West region, with a specific recommendation for its tolerance to specific imidazolinone herbicides. Beatrix CL is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). Limited data suggests it has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity. This relatively early maturing variety has resistance to pod shatter. Growers are advised to see the BASF website (agricentre.basf.co.uk) for more information about Clearfield® management and husbandry.

LG Calvin CL (NEW)

A new Clearfield^® hybrid variety for the UK, with a specific recommendation for its tolerance to specific imidazolinone herbicides. LG Calvin CL is susceptible to verticillium (based on limited data). This relatively early maturing variety has high resistance to lodging and good stem stiffness at maturity. It has resistance to pod shatter. Growers are advised to see the BASF website (agricentre.basf.co.uk) for more information about Clearfield^® management and husbandry.

Matrix CL

A Clearfield® hybrid variety for the UK, with a specific recommendation for its tolerance to specific imidazolinone herbicides. It is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) but is susceptible to verticillium. This relatively early maturing variety has high resistance to lodging and resistance to pod shatter. Growers are advised to see the BASF website (agricentre.basf.co.uk) for more information about Clearfield® management and husbandry.

Miraculix CL

A Clearfield® hybrid variety for the North region, with a specific recommendation for its tolerance to specific imidazolinone herbicides. It is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). Miraculix CL has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity. This relatively early maturing variety has resistance to pod shatter. Growers are advised to see the BASF website (agricentre.basf.co.uk) for more information about Clearfield® management and husbandry. It is no longer under test in RL trials.

Clubroot-tolerant varieties

Crios (NEW)

This new addition is a hybrid variety for the North region with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. Crios has high resistance to light leaf spot. This very early flowering variety has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity.

Crocodile

A hybrid variety for the East/West region with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. It is susceptible to stem canker. This relatively early maturing variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data) and good stem stiffness at maturity. Crocodile is no longer under test in RL trials.

Crome

A hybrid variety for the North region with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. Crome is moderately resistant to verticillium but is very susceptible to stem canker. This relatively early maturing variety has high resistance to lodging and is very stiff stemmed at maturity. It is no longer under test in RL trials.

Cromputer

A hybrid variety for the UK with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. It is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data) and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity.

Crusoe

A hybrid variety for the UK with a specific recommendation for its resistance to the common strains of clubroot, though it may be susceptible to strains found in some fields. This variety has given its best relative performance in the East/West region, the highest for a clubroot-resistant variety on the recommended list for winter oilseed rape 2026/27. Crusoe is moderately resistant to verticillium (based on limited data) and is resistant to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). This relatively tall variety has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity.

Described

Both winter oilseed rape varieties listed below are high erucic acid rape (HEAR) varieties described for the UK. HEAR varieties have a different oil profile (having around 50% erucic acid, compared with less than 2% for ‘00’ varieties). They have a variety of industrial uses, such as specialist lubricants, inks, cosmetics and slip agents. Growers should take action to prevent high erucic volunteers (which can lead to deductions or rejections) from appearing in subsequent ‘00’ oilseed rape crops.

Eriksen (NEW)

Eriksen has high resistance to stem canker, combined with moderate resistance to verticillium (based on limited data) and resistance to Turnip yellows virus (TuYV). It has high resistance to lodging (based on limited data), with good stem stiffness at maturity.

Resort

Resort is susceptible to stem canker. It has high resistance to lodging, with good stem stiffness at maturity.

RL comments timeline

Available for the major cereal and oilseed crops, variety comments accompany each edition of the RL
When the online tables are launched (November/December), comments cover the main varietal developments (new varieties)
When the booklet is launched (January/February), detailed variety-specific comments are published online (all varieties)

Further information

Recommended Lists homepage

Recommended Lists archive

UK Flour Millers website (UKFM)

MAGB website

Topics:

Cereals & Oilseeds Wheat Barley Oilseed Rape Diseases Varieties

Sectors:

Cereals & Oilseeds

Tags:

RL varieties oats yields gross output sprouting brackling agronomics lodging winter spring OSR disease management wheat disease management barley disease management cereal disease management osr management ukp uks