New provisional Group 1 wheat Arlington has joined the 2026/27 Recommended List – with a promising mix of yield and grain quality.
The variety offers significant potential for growers and millers alike, says DSV UK wheat breeder Matt Kerton. “Arlington is a variety that perfectly balances strong yield, top-tier baking performance and excellent agronomic traits.
“Having it on the list as a provisional UKFM Group 1 showcases the success of our breeding programme – focused on delivering varieties that not only meet the high standards required by millers but also perform well for farmers in the field.”
Characteristics
With a UK treated yield of 99% of controls, Arlington is just 1% behind current Group 1 leader KWS Zyatt. It is the highest-yielding Group 1 variety in eastern region and Dr Kerton expects it to be the top performer soon.
At 94% of treated controls, Arlington has the highest untreated yield in Group 1. Equally noticeable are its 12.5% specific protein, Hagberg Falling Number (HFN) of 309 and specific weight of 78.9kg/hl, says Dr Kerton.
“Flour millers have praised its strong gluten quality, high water absorption, and excellent bake performance. It delivers a good loaf volume and is agronomically very similar to Skyfall – which has long been the benchmark for Group 1 wheat.”
In terms of agronomics, Dr Kerton says Arlington’s in-built traits offer key benefits for growers. It isn’t just a new variety, it’s a product of years of research and investment, he adds.
“Its disease resistance package is impressive, particularly when it comes to Septoria and yellow rust.”
Performance
“With a 7.0 for both, Arlington outperforms many other Group 1 varieties on the market. It also features resistance to orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) – only one of two varieties to have this in Group 1 – and carries PCH1 resistance to eyespot.
Straw quality is another area where Arlington stands out, he says. “The straw is short and stiff, which significantly reduces lodging risk, making it a stable option for farmers looking to reduce the risk of yield loss during harvest.”
Adaptability
“Arlington has the protein levels millers need, while still offering the quality that farmers demand for a reliable and profitable crop. Another unique benefit of the new variety is its adaptability to different sowing conditions, he points out.
“The low vernalisation requirement means that Arlington can be sown late into the season, providing flexibility for farmers who are unable to sow in the autumn or who need to switch to spring sowing to suit the conditions.
“It’s an exciting development for UK farmers and millers alike, and we are confident it will achieve full Group 1 status in Spring 2026 once commercial assessments are completed.”