Speaking at the Syngenta PGRO Pulse Roadshow, he reported yields from two very contrasting seasons, in 2012 and 2013, have seen the best results from 72 and 53 ppm² respectively.

“Growers should possibly consider increasing seed rates to target establishment of 50 ppm²,” he advised. However, they should also consider the additional cost of seed and factor-in the thousand grain weight in their calculations; seed testing had suggested most seed was larger and heavier this year, which would push up the TGW and seed usage this year, he suggested.

Mr Belcher believed that although most growers had the opportunity to plant their required winter bean acreage in the autumn, last season’s experiences had shown that planting winter bean varieties in the spring could be a viable option. Although yields were reduced by up to 34% from spring planting of the winter varieties - compared to autumn sowing - if they were sown and managed in a similar way to a spring variety at a higher seed rate, the yield and crop benefits were attractive for growers, he added.

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