A Breakthrough in Wheat Farming
In an exciting development for French agriculture, a new soft wheat variety, GEOPOLIS, will be available for planting in fall 2025. GEOPOLIS stands out with its high yield, exceptional protein content, and agroecological adaptability, making it a game-changer for farmers in Northern France and the Paris Basin. This variety, developed over a decade by INRAE and Agri Obtentions, addresses the growing demand for sustainable and input-efficient agriculture while maintaining profitability.
Key Agronomic and Agroecological Benefits
- Disease Resistance: GEOPOLIS boasts strong resistance to major diseases, including septoria, brown rust, and stread. This reduces the need for fungicides and other phytosanitary treatments.
- High Yield and Protein Content: Tested under varying climate conditions, GEOPOLIS has consistently delivered yields 113.6% above witness averages in treated conditions and up to 125% in untreated scenarios.
- Input Efficiency: This variety is highly efficient in nitrogen utilization, aligning with France’s Ecophyto II+ plan to reduce agricultural inputs.
A Decade of Research Excellence
The creation of GEOPOLIS is the result of a meticulous 10-year research process, demonstrating the commitment to innovation in French agriculture. The development stages included:
- Initial Crossings: Conducted at Estrées-Mons to combine desirable genetic traits.
- Nursery Selection: Promising lines were evaluated over five generations.
- Field Trials: Real-world conditions were simulated to test the variety’s performance with varying input levels.
- Validation: Official testing confirmed GEOPOLIS’s exceptional agronomic and ecological qualities, leading to its registration in France’s plant species catalog.
Future Outlook
Seed multiplication for GEOPOLIS has already begun, with 600 hectares under production for the 2024-2025 campaign. By 2026, the variety is expected to cover 30,000 hectares, marking a significant step forward in French wheat cultivation.
GEOPOLIS is a milestone in sustainable wheat farming, combining high yields, reduced input requirements, and resistance to key diseases. This variety not only enhances farmers’ profitability but also aligns with environmental goals, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient agricultural system.
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