Don’t disregard proven non-RL OSR varieties for drilling 2026

With confidence in UK oilseed rape steadily increasing, growers should stay focused on the basics of crop management, with strong establishment still a key priority, says Agrii Seed Key Account and Performance Manager Ian Davy.

Sticking largely with what has delivered good performance in the past should be the starting point for 2026 drilling decisions. Growers should not dismiss proven varieties simply because they are no longer on the AHDB Recommended List, he advises.

“Seed breeders have done amazing work over recent years and varieties have never been stronger in terms of yield potential and resilience.

“While the Recommended List features new additions each year, improvements are increasingly incremental.

“Just because a variety is not on the RL does not mean it is a poor variety, particularly if it has worked well on farm in previous years and in the context of the management approach being used.”

Proven OSR varieties still delivering on farm

Last year, some of Agrii’s best-performing crops came from established names such as Vegas and Maverick from NPZ, RGT Kanzzas and LG Adapt, Ian points out.

“Vegas, for example, remains a high gross output hybrid with an excellent disease profile, especially against Verticillium stem stripe, and was our third biggest-selling variety last year after being introduced three years ago.

“It is a variety continuing to perform well in trials and on farm too, despite no longer being on the 2026/27 RL.

“RGT Kanzzas is also a good example of a variety that did not make it on to the RL in the first place, but it is our most vigorous variety and proven to be a top performer on sites with a high level of CSFB pressure.

“As well as its rapid growth rate outpacing larval attack, it also has the added advantage of outstanding light leaf spot resistance.”

LG Adapt is another established variety Agrii is backing for 2026 drilling, Ian says.

“It is a very high gross output hybrid with good all-round disease, pod shatter and TuYV resistance, set to succeed Ambassador this autumn.

“Strong yield performance in Agrii trials is complemented by a very high oil content of 47.0%, and it has delivered very consistent performance across all soils and regions of the UK.

“Its fast speed of development in the autumn makes it an ideal variety for later drilling, too.”

New OSR options for 2026 drilling

Although basing 2026 OSR drilling plans on established varieties and proven management is important, Ian also recommends growers stay open-minded about new options.

“New RL addition KWS Domingos, for example, looks very promising with its strong combination of high gross output, excellent agronomic properties and strong vigour, particularly in the spring to minimise CSFB larval damage.

“It was the highest yielding variety in Agrii trials last year and combines high yields with high oil content. It is also suitable for all soil types, with a recommendation for the whole of the UK.

“Although DK Exedge narrowly missed the RL last year, it is a variety with one of the best agronomic profiles of any oilseed rape that Agrii has tested, and we fully expect it to replace DK Exsteel, one of our best-selling varieties over the past seven years.

“While it is not the highest yielding variety, it does have the growth habit best suited to minimising CSFB larval damage, which remains a significant threat, particularly in the East and West region.

“As a general rule, however, we would not suggest putting more than 20% of your OSR area down to new varieties in any one year, particularly in the current circumstances.”

Establishment remains the priority

As well as following the points laid out in the Agrii 8-point integrated agronomy plan to support good OSR establishment, Ian also advises growers to consider what establishment schemes are available to support their variety choices.

“Agrii will be offering various establishment schemes for 2026 drilling across varieties such as LG Adapt and Auckland, KWS Domingos, DK Exedge and Exsteel, plus RGT Kanzzas and Vegas.

“We would urge growers to talk to their Agrii agronomist or seed specialist as early as practical to discuss these and seed availability, as overall UK area is expected to grow again this year.”