This cultivar has quality characteristics desired by end users with good resistance to most common wheat leaf diseases. It has good straw strength, shedding resistance and is very easy to thresh. Its sprouting resistance is similar to that of Batten. Management Agronomic practices should be similar to other high yielding bread wheats. Rata is best sown in Canterbury during May and June, but can be sown in July.
Grain size can be small if sown in areas where late droughts are experienced.
Rata responds well to high inputs of irrigation and fertiliser, producing very high yields, so adequate nitrogen must be available during tillering, stem extension and early grain-filling to ensure that anticipated yield and quality are achieved. Seek specialist advice if necessary. In average disease pressure areas or seasons the current recommendation is to apply one broad spectrum fungicide at early ear emergence to aid the cultivar's good natural resistance to stripe rust and other late leaf and ear diseases. In high disease pressure seasons and or areas, an earlier mildew fungicide may be required during stem extension. Eyespot protection in South Canterbury could be of benefit.