Harvard

Field experience with KWS Harvard: Performance and reliability

When selecting winter oilseed rape, we prioritize stability and disease resistance. The Harvard hybrid from the German breeder KWS has proven to be a reliable asset in our crop rotation. It’s a variety that handles intensive management well and consistently delivers expected results under variable field conditions.

Planting density and field management

We’ve tested planting densities ranging from 400k to 600k seeds per hectare. The Harvard hybrid displays excellent uniformity. Standing at 160–170 cm, the plants show remarkable lodging resistance, which is critical during harvest. Even at the higher end of 600,000 seeds per hectare, the crop maintains its structure, making it much easier to process through the combine without excessive losses.

Disease control and yield protection

One of the biggest concerns for our farm is Cylindrosporium. Previous varieties required aggressive fungicide applications to keep the crop healthy before winter. Since we switched to KWS Harvard, we’ve observed a significant natural tolerance to this pathogen. This has allowed us to optimize our chemical inputs, effectively reducing our per-hectare costs while maintaining plant health.

Return on investment

The potential yield of 50–60 dt/ha is not just marketing material; we consistently see results close to these figures when our fertilization and moisture management programs are properly executed. The grain quality is consistent, and the oil content is impressive. If you are running an intensive farming operation and need a hybrid that won’t let you down during the critical growing stages, Harvard is a predictable and profitable choice.