Climate change and methodological developments: the CTPS Section is shaping the future of straw cereals

At its meeting on 21 July, the CTPS Straw Cereals Section reviewed the first outcomes of the current growing season. Following a dry spring and several heatwave events, harvests were earlier than usual, with variable yields across regions, while preliminary grain quality results remain generally satisfactory.

The Section validated the DUS testing results and approved the registration of the soft wheat variety Gros Bleu on the conservation list (List C).

VSCU evaluations were a major focus of the meeting. Members reviewed progress on the revision of soft wheat quality classes, approved several protocol updates across species and continued discussions on adapting nitrogen fertilisation schemes within soft wheat trial networks. These developments aim to ensure that varietal evaluation continues to meet both sustainability objectives and end-user expectations.