Researchers are investigating ways winter wheat can suppress weeds in low-input and organic farming systems.
Findings could provide cereal and oilseed growers with sustainable strategies to naturally suppress weeds, reducing reliance on herbicides and aiding the transition to more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board project follows a review of the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL), which highlighted the importance of variety competitiveness against grass weeds.
Varietal traits
It is well known that competitive crop varieties suppress weeds. The new research aims to pinpoint exactly which varietal traits deliver this benefit – informing both farmer decision-making and long-term plant breeding strategies. The project will involve a UK-wide network of on-farm trials to identify key traits that correlate with weed competitiveness under organic and low-input conditions. Starting this summer, it will run until December 2027.
The AHDB says the project will enhance the information gained through RL crop physiology assessments. It is being delivered in collaboration with RSK Adas, Cope Seeds, the Organic Research Centre and UK Grain Lab. AHDB knowledge transfer manager Henny Lowth says the project will ultimately inform better variety selection – helping farmers choose winter wheat varieties that offer greater natural weed suppression.
“Managing weeds without chemicals is a key challenge for growers in low-input and organic systems,” says Ms Lowth. “We’re excited to be working with our partners and the farming community to deliver meaningful, field-tested results.”
Farmers interested in hosting an on-farm variety trial should email henny.lowth@ahdb.org.uk