Three high-yielding spring bean varieties added to 2023 Descriptive List
17th January 2023
After gaining National Listing, the Processors and Grower Research Organisation (PGRO) added three new varieties to its 2023 Descriptive List, meaning growers have even more information on beans to sow this spring.
The three varieties – Genius, LG Stego, and Futura – went through the same PGRO trials as the other varieties on the Descriptive List. However, as their UK National List status was yet to be granted at the time, the varieties were absent from the list at its official launch in November.
With a yield of 110%, Genius, from LS Plant Breeding, is now the top-yielding variety on the Descriptive List. It has a good standing ability (8) and the same maturity as the variety Lynx (6).
Michael Shuldham, LSPB product manager, said: “Genius now jumps straight to the top of the list as the highest yielding spring bean (110) just a shade above its stablemate Lynx. While Futura also gets a high ranking as fourth in yield (106) and is the highest yielding LVC (low vicine/convicine) variety on the list.”
Futura’s high yield rating demonstrates that LVC varieties have now all but equalled traditional varieties in yield while adding their extra marketability. The new addition also means growers now have an extra LVC option on the list alongside Victus. Futura has the same maturity (7) as LG Stego and is a tall variety at 111cm with a good standing ability (8).
Mr Shuldham added: “When LVC varieties were first introduced, despite their market pluses, they were lower in the yield ratings. However, Futura and Victus – our other LVC variety on the DL – now compare with the best and our breeding programme promises more to come.”
Meanwhile, LG Stego, from Limagrain, has a yield of 106%, which is the third highest yield among Descriptive List varieties. LG Stego matures earlier (7) than Genius and Lynx (both 6) and has a good standing ability (8), similarly to Genius.
Dr Christopher Judge, PGRO senior technical officer, commented: “The Descriptive List is a fantastic tool, giving growers the opportunity to compare different varieties and evaluate which will suit their situation.
“We’re really pleased with the successes of the 2022 trials, and the data produced by this years’ Descriptive List is reassuringly consistent.”
The 2023 Descriptive List can be viewed at www.pgro.org. In addition, a video showcasing the varieties added to the list at the launch event in 2022 is available on YouTube.
