Using suitable varieties is fundamental to effective use. The EnviroSeeds® companion crop range has been developed over five years, to contain only varieties rigorously tested and proven on farm. These provide truly unique and peerless products for effective companion cropping.
'TABOR' is the only proven ‘single-cut’ variety of berseem clover available in the UK. ‘Single-cut’ varieties do not regrow following winter-kill and are therefore the only varieties suitable for use as an oilseed rape companion crop.
‘LIFAGO’ buckwheat’s vigorous growth provides the essential protective canopy from flea beetle quicker than standard buckwheat (‘Fagopyrum esculentum’) varieties. A lower thousand grain weight also provides a higher plant population from the comparable sowing rate.
Fenugreek provides an additional layer of protection for the oilseed rape crop by exuding an unpleasant odour to deter flea beetle. Fenugreek is most suited to being utilised in a mixture such as Shielder or Beetle Blaster.
‘BINGO’ purple vetch grows more vigorously and is more susceptible to frost than common vetch (Vicia sativa), and therefore suitable for use in oilseed rape companion crops. A lower thousand grain weight also provides a higher plant population from the comparable sowing rate.