b'quantities. There are several HW hybridization techniques, notes Dimitriadi. We use similar seed production method as those used to produce other hybrid seeds like oilseed rape and corn. At BASF, we have chosen to use the three-line system without using hybridization agents: the female parent, the main-tainer (which we use to reproduce the female lines) and the male parent. She adds that we are producing wheat hybrids that can be grown and harvested using the same equipment and infra-structure farmers have already invested in. LOOKING FORWARD WHEAT IS CRITICAL TO Busch notes that wheat yields in Europe can be very different between countries and climatic zones, ranging from, for exam- GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY ple, about four tons/ha in Ukraine to about 8 tons/ha in the U.K.AND THATS WHY WE ARE SO Compared to open-pollinated varieties, the yield benefits of hybrids can be also very different according to stress condi- FOCUSED AND ADAMANT tions as hybrid benefits are stronger under stress, he says. In addition, the benefit of hybrids is not only about yield, but alsoABOUT BRINGING HYBRID stability (that is, yield insurance against adverse conditions) andWHEAT TO MARKETsustainability (reduction of inputs). With hybrids, we are going to develop a new agronomical system for wheat, with the focus being broader than yield only and the offering also broader than seed only (including other inputs e.g., plant protection, services, digital advice). Syngenta launched X-TerraTM wheat to the French growers earlier this year. Hiles says We aim to deliver a flow of innovat-ing products, improving every year, which will help reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers, assisting growers efforts for better soil management and water conservation whilst meeting the ambitions of the Green Deal.Iveson confirms that X-TerraTM wheat used in conjunction with data analytics, and precision farming techniques, aims to deliver better efficiency with higher consistent yields, maximiz-ing returns for farmers.Busch adds that Bayer sees great potential in HW to provide wheat growers with a crop production system that is resilient to the impacts of adverse weather and disease. This will enable a more stable income for farmers, he says, and ultimately increase their potential profitability.Dimitriadi reminds us that wheat is critical to global food security, representing around 20% of global calories and is a crucial and wholesome source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. She notes that to feed our growing population, the wheat supply must increase by 50-60% by 2050, and the mar-ketplace needs breakthrough innovation to meet this growing demand in a sustainable way. Thats why we are so focused and adamant about bringingRobert Hilesthis innovation to marketthe world needs HW! Dimitriadi says. With Ideltis, we aim to become the leader in custom-ized agronomic solutions for hybrid wheat. We are excited to bring high-performing HW to the market to unlock wheats full potential and advance one of the worlds most important crops, for todays wheat farmers and for generations to come.Von Rhade and everyone at ASUR continues to be convinced of the value of hybrids for wheat farmers to obtain more con-sistent yields, especially in stress conditions such as drought or waterlogging or low-fertility soils, which will be of growing importance with climate change and less pesticide or fertilizers. We are glad that several seed companies have realized this and are now working hard to join us, he says. When this happens, there will be a market increase, undoubtedly. Hybrids will likely become a significant part of the wheat seed used by European farmers, besides conventional lines and farm-savedSarah Iveson Tatiana Dimitriadiseed.10IEUROPEAN SEEDIEUROPEAN-SEED.COM'