Maris Wigeon

Maris Widgeon, is an heritage variety of wheat that has traditionally been used for thatching in the UK. This variety was developed in 1964 by the Plant Breeding Institute in Cambridgshire. The 'Maris' in the name, was derived from Maris Lane, the address of PBI headquarters in Trumpington, Cambridge.^[1]

Uses

It produces a tall, strong stemmed straw without the use of artificial fertilisers, which makes popular with thatchers^[2] and straw craftsmen.^[3] It is also popular with artisan bread bakers and specialist organic millers .^[4]

Problems in production

There are no wheat varieties, suitable for thatching, on the current NIAB seed list. Until recently (2008/9) the only commercial seed distributor for Maris Widgeon, was Pickards Seeds, of Burrington, Devon. Maris Widgeon is one of the few varieties on the National List of Permitted Varieties - (EU legislation policed by DEFRA). Other traditional varieties have become unlisted which means that they cannot be bought, sold or even given away.^[5] For this reason new straw growers have no option but to grow Maris Widgeon from kept seed.^[6]

References

1. ^ Bread-making quality of wheat: a century of breeding in Europe By Bob Belderok, J. Mesdag, Dingena A. Donner
2. ^ Days are numbered for Widgeon variety
3. ^ http://www.eamta.co.uk/specifications.htm
4. ^ http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/just-what-we-knead-734553.html
5. ^ Certification, marketing, packaging and labelling of cereal seed
6. ^ http://www.glasu.org.uk/en/uploads/documents/WelshThatchingStraw.pdf

External links

• Wheat: the big picture Illustrated guide to life cycle of wheat plant