Tom Yewbrey
Eight oilseed rape varieties from NPZ UK are included in the 2026/7 Recommended List – providing a range of options for growers. NPZ UK’s mainstream varieties are Karat, Maverick, Murray and Vegas. These are complemented by clubroot resistant varieties Crusoe and Crome; and High Erucic Acid Rapeseed (HEAR) varieties Resort and Eriksen.
With exceptional gross output, Karat is new to the list this year. It is the first variety to feature the new Rlm12 resistance to stem canker in combination with RlmS resistance, says NPZ.
This is the basis for exceptional stem health including a very strong light leaf spot resistance score and a strong overall agronomic package, explains NPZ managing director Tom Yewbrey.
Market presence
“We have a long and successful track record in oilseed rape breeding with a strong market presence. Our winter oilseed rape portfolio on the list brings a comprehensive selection to meet growers’ needs.”
Maverick has high seed yield and high gross output plus an exceptional disease resistance profile with RlmS and Rlm7 stem canker resistance, high light leaf spot resistance and outstanding autumn and spring vigour.
Crusoe is a variety with a Specific Recommendation (Sp) for land infected with common strains of clubroot and is a real step change for this market segment.
It is a restored hybrid variety with a high gross output, high resistance to stem canker, good resistance to Light leaf spot with good stem stiffness and resistance to lodging. It is TuYV resistant.
Other varieties
Crome is well-established in the clubroot resistant category with a high gross output, good resistance to light leaf spot with good stem stiffness and resistance to lodging. Resort is a HEAR variety for specialist use in industrial processes.
Eriksen is described the next step forward in HEAR varieties, bringing substantially increased gross output, improved agronomics with exceptional stem canker resistance – it is also Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) resistant.
Mr Yewbrey said: “We have a strong pipeline of oilseed rape varieties progressing through both our own and official trials. These include candidate varieties Valdez, Montana and the clubroot-resistant variety Crown.
“We continue to advance our breeding programme that is focused on hybrids, combining improved yield and agronomics with consistent performance,” says Mr Yewbrey.