16 rapeseed hybrids tested in GOSZ-VSZT-NAK experiment

(Photo: Pixabay)

Amid the challenges facing agriculture − weather extremes, rising costs, and economic changes − seed selection is a key decision before every sowing. The national post-registration variety trials of the National Grain Growers’ Association (GOSZ), the Seed Association Interprofessional Organization and Product Council (VSZT), and the National Chamber of Agriculture (NAK) provide assistance in this. Post-registration variety trials of corn and winter wheat have been organized for 18 years by the National Association of Grain Growers and the Interprofessional Organization and Product Council of the Seed Association, in cooperation with the National Chamber of Agriculture since 2018.

In 2019, the organizers expanded the variety trial system with winter rapeseed, and since then, post-registration variety trials of winter-sown crops have also taken place every year.

In the past years, farmers have become familiar with the system, use it and search for the results of post-registration trials. The aim of operating the system is to enable users to choose from tested plant varieties capable of achieving the appropriate quantity and quality, based on objective results. The GOSZ, VSZT and NAK consider it particularly important that the value of varieties grown in Hungary can be demonstrated through objective trials.

In the recently evaluated autumn rapeseed trials, each breeding house had the opportunity to launch 2 hybrids

In addition, the varieties that received state recognition in 2024 automatically gained a quota in the trial. This year, 11 variety owners launched a total of 16 hybrids, of which 12 were in the mid-ripening group and 4 in the early-ripening group. Both domestic and EU variety list hybrids can participate in the trials. The 2024/2025 variety trials were carried out at 6 locations – in Bóly, Taktaharkány, Kéthely, Püski, Pápa and Hanságliget.

The months preceding the autumn sowing period last year were extremely dry and warm

July and August brought significantly warmer weather than average, and then the dry period in early September was followed by rainy days at the end of the month. Sowing was delayed, and the development of the stands was slow. Overwintering in the trials was problem-free. In the spring, in line with the national situation, the areas were hit by a severe lack of rainfall, which had a strong impact on the yield results. Unlike previous years, this year, in many places during the ripening period, the tilting caused by storms was significant. The harvests started on time, but the late summer rains slightly delayed the completion of the harvesting work. The results of the variety trials, including the examination of oil content and quality parameters, provide valuable data for producers.

NAK