Limagrain has scored two new pulse additions to the PGRO Descriptive List – spring bean LG Eagle and combining pea LG Corvet.

LG Eagle joins as the joint highest yielding spring bean at 110% yield (as % control). During both Limagrain and DL trials, this high yield potential has been delivered consistently across the seasons which is an important and valuable attribute for a spring bean, says Heather Oldfield, UK cereals and pulses product manager for Limagrain Field Seeds.

“However, it’s not just about high yields, these have to be backed up by solid agronomics and traits, and we are delighted that Eagle offers all of these,” she adds. “It’s one of the earliest varieties on the DL to mature, is not too tall, stands well and offers a good disease package including rust.”

Eagle is suitable for human consumption, fish feed and animal protein markets offering a range of marketing opportunities, she adds. With limited seed availability for 2025, Heather believes Eagle’s consistent yields and disease resistance package mean it’ll be taking a big bite into the spring bean area by 2026.

LG Corvet combining pea

Equally, combining pea LG Corvet  joins the DL as a high yielding, (111% of control), early maturing, relatively short variety. “Alongside these attributes, Corvet also has a very good standing ability which is an important attribute for ease of combining and protecting precious yield. Poor standing ability can often be barrier to growing peas,” says Heather.

“Corvet offers an exceptional downy mildew resistance rating of 8 – the result of a concerted focus from Limagrain on breeding for resistance against this devastating disease in peas,” she notes.

The variety holds one of the highest dry protein percentages at 22.2%.

Breeding efforts

Furthermore, to meet the growing demand for pulses, Heather highlights the hard work being done by Limagrain’s pulse breeding team to enhance the major traits in varieties and introduce new ones using routine diagnostic marker assisted selection (MAS).

She explains this is being done at a high-tech facility in the Netherlands which allows the breeders to undertake rapid generation cycling. “Target traits sought for peas include reliable yields with consistently high protein levels, resistance to lodging, and tolerance and resistance to diseases, the results of which we are seeing in Corvet.

“Cold tolerance without damaging the protein percentage is also an important trait for growing in more northerly climates,” adds Heather.

She says new varieties are then put into schemes for extensive testing in both the UK and Europe. “Our testing builds a comprehensive data set and highlights which varieties are adapted to multiple environments so we can identify those of the best high quality.

“We also continue to work closely with key stakeholders in the marketplace to develop varieties fit for future purpose for UK growers,” concludes Heather.