Even more meaningful variety choices can now be made by growers, thanks to a new online tool based on variety trial information.

The Variety selection tool was developed in response to HGCA Recommended Lists surveys which showed growers wanted more regional variety performance information.

The interactive tool lets growers navigate the latest variety trials data and make comparisons – based on location-specific information – to help them identify the most promising varieties for their unique situations.

The first version of the tool is based on winter wheat trials data. Accessible through an online ‘dashboard’, it allows users to select from a range of parameters to see what impact they have on yields.

By selecting geographical location, rotational position, soil type or sowing date, the tool visualises trials data in chart format for easy variety comparison.

Dr Ellie Marshall, HGCA Research Manager, said: “Not only does the tool let growers look at variety trial information in a totally new way, it allows a new tier of trials information to be accessed – including ‘district-level’ information.”

Districts are based on the UK regional climates, as defined by the Met Office, which describe the general climate in that area.

Dr Marshall added: “The main reason for selecting a district is trial data from other areas are omitted – potentially making the results more regionally relevant.

“District-level information can also give growers a better insight into how trials operate, by showing how many trials are involved.”

Later this year, the tool will be extended to include quality parameters, as well as dashboards for winter barley, winter oilseed rape, winter oats and spring barley.

The Variety selection tool sits alongside HGCA’s regional disease monitoring and weather monitoring tools at www.hgca.com/monitoring