New Variety of Hard Red Winter Wheat Offers Excellent Straw Strength and Disease Resistance
September 11, 2018
WestBred® wheat brings forth variety to help growers combat Hessian Fly
ST. LOUIS – Texas wheat growers have unique challenges to contend with, but perhaps none is more of a “pest” than Hessian Fly. These harmful insects hatch two generations per year and attack plant stems of grain crops like wheat, often resulting in costly crop damage. WB4418, a new Hard Red Winter Wheat variety from WestBred® wheat, offers excellent straw strength, coupled with excellent resistance to pests like Hessian Fly.
“This Hessian Fly resistance will be a great tool for wheat growers south of fly-free dates,” says Lance Embree, WestBred Regional Commercial Manager. “In addition, it has spectacular straw strength — another key attribute for growers on the Texas blacklands.”
In addition to standability and pest resistance, early adopters who plant WB4418 this season can also expect:
- Good test weights
- Excellent emergence
- Excellent straw strength
- Very good Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus resistance
“When it comes to yield, WB4418 was top of its class in Texas A&M plot trials,” Embree says. “This performance makes it a great fit not only for Texas but also further north. It’s the full package of disease resistance, strength and performance.”
Texas grower Steve Beakley, who produces and sells certified seed as a WestBred Wheat associate, says growers are taking notice of the new variety. “It’s one that stands out as you’re driving down the road,” he says. “Standability can be an issue in this area, but WB4418 has exceptional standability, and that can pay off as great yield.”
For more information on WB4418 and other WestBred varieties, visit WestBred.com or contact your Regional Commercial Manager, Lance Embree, at 316-218-2661.
About WestBred
WestBred wheat provides seed suppliers and their growers access to the highest yield potential wheat seed, as well as testing, education, resources and experienced representatives to help maximize their yield potential.