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How to select varieties for organic farming: science and practice

Hoad, S P; Davies, D H K and Topp, C F E (2006) How to select varieties for organic farming: science and practice. In: Atkinson, C; Ball, B; Davies, D H K; Rees, R; Russell, G; Stockdale, E A; Watson, C A; Walker, R and Younie, D (Eds.) Aspects of Applied Biology 79, What will organic farming deliver? COR 2006, Association of Applied Biologists, pp. 117-120.

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Summary

Selection of cereal varieties suited to organic farming requires a different, but complementary, approach to that used when developing cereals for conventional high input systems. Selection is based on the interaction between a series of desirable plant and crop characteristics, in particular competitive ability against weeds. Certain key characteristics that are generically desirable for organic cereal varieties include: (1 good establishment ability, (2) high tillering ability, (3) increasing plant height, (4) planophile leaf habit, (5) high leaf index and (6) robustnesses in yield performance across sites. Our data strongly suggest that high crop ground cover is the most important feature for creating a highly competitive crop that also has consistency in yield. Individual plant or crop traits in (1) to (5) can be used to define plant growth habits. A scheme for assessing growth habits in new varieties is presented.


EPrint Type:Conference paper, poster, etc.
Type of presentation:Poster
Keywords:Cereals, wheat, weeds, organic farming, competitiveness
Subjects: Crop husbandry > Crop health, quality, protection
Crop husbandry > Production systems > Cereals, pulses and oilseeds
Crop husbandry > Breeding, genetics and propagation
Research affiliation: UK > Scottish Rural Colleges (SRUC - previously SAC)
UK > Colloquium of Organic Researchers (COR) > COR 2006
Deposited By: MILLMAN, Mrs Carol A
ID Code:10201
Deposited On:14 Dec 2006
Last Modified:12 Apr 2010 07:34
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Not peer-reviewed

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