‘ … A maverick is frequently considered a trailblazer, a leader who creates a new path or sets a new standard for others to follow …’

Maverick winter oilseed rape from NPZ UK sits with the leaders at the head of the AHDB Winter Oilseed Rape Recommended List (RL). Its resulting popularity – particularly in the East/West region – arises from a combination of high output, vigorous growth, and a robust disease resistance package. 

Craig Padley, NPZ UK’s oilseed rape breeder, details the key attributes that underpin Maverick’s success with growers:

• Maverick’s high seed yield is enhanced by a high oil content of 46.5%, a level that is a significant step up from older market favourites.
• The variety features exceptional disease resistance from both Rlm7 and RlmS phoma resistance genes, providing stacked protection against stem canker that is rare in the market. This is added to high resistance to Light Leaf Spot. Maverick also has moderate resistance to Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV). Added to these factors, the variety has moderate resistance to verticillium. In summary, the combined resistances of LLS and stem canker, as well as verticillium tolerance, means the Maverick boasts very good stem health.
• Outstanding autumn and spring vigour helps it to outpace the threats from pests. 
• Maverick’s agronomic profile simplifies crop management and reduces harvest risk as it is a stiff-strawed variety with high resistance to lodging.

Craig ends with a comment on drill dates, “there has been a continuing debate on early vs late drilling dates for oilseed rape, and that debate will surely emerge again this season. Maverick can stand across that divide due to the fact it is very vigorous with high biomass to give wide drilling flexibility. It performs well even in later-drilled scenarios that go into mid-September.”