Limagrain states that its success in the 2024/25 PGRO Descriptive List (DL) highlights its commitment to pulses.
Its spring bean variety, LG Eagle, joins the list as the joint highest yielding at 110%. It is suitable for human consumption, as well as fish feed and animal protein markets, providing a diverse range of buyers.
“During both Limagrain and DL trials, this extremely high yield potential has been delivered consistently over the last few very different and challenging seasons which is an important and valuable attribute for a spring bean – and one that growers look for on farm,” says Heather Oldfield, UK cereals and pulses product manager for Limagrain Field Seeds.
“However, it’s not just about high yields, these need to be backed up by solid agronomics and traits, and we are delighted that LG Eagle offers all of these,” she adds. “It is one of the earliest varieties on the DL to mature, is not too tall, stands well and offers a good disease package including rust.”
LG Corvet
The combining pea LG Corvet also joins the DL, with a yield of 111% and attributes including early maturing and a short height. It also has one of the highest dry protein levels at 22.2%.
“Alongside these attributes, LG Corvet also has a very good standing ability, which is an important attribute for ease of combining and protecting precious yield. Poor standing ability can often be barrier to growing peas,” says Heather.
Enhancing traits
Heather highlights the work being done to meet the growing demand for pulses, including enhancing traits already present and introducing new ones using routine diagnostic marker assisted selection (MAS).
”Target traits sought for peas include reliable yields with consistently high protein levels, resistance to lodging, and tolerance and resistance to diseases, the results of which we are seeing in LG Corvet.
“Cold tolerance without damaging the protein percentage is also an important trait for growing in more northerly climates,” adds Heather.
“The new varieties are then put into schemes for extensive testing in both the UK and Europe. Our testing builds a comprehensive data set and highlights which varieties are adapted to multiple environments, so we can identify the best high quality, stable varieties,” she continues, adding that these extended trials also build understanding of optimum drill timings.
“We also continue to work closely with key stakeholders in the marketplace to develop varieties fit for future purpose for UK growers.”
For more information go to www.lgseeds.co.uk