Barley

Independent variety trials

2023 Variety Trial

2022 Variety Trial

In 2022 the Barely trial was not harvested. The trial block was inundated by floodwater on October 31. While the floodwater had receded by November 21, the site remained waterlogged for another 10 days. When floodwaters receded, the trials quickly collapsed, resulting in uneven grain fill and head damage depending on whether the head was buried or not. As such the decision was made not to harvest as we could not accurately assess variety performance. Instead, we have included the long-term average performance for varieties at the block in Kerang

2021 Variety Trial Summary

Sown on May 7^th into good soil moisture thanks to pre-irrigation but dry conditions continued into May. Target plant population was 160 plants/m², or sowing rates of between 79 and 112 kg/ha. Emergence was consistent across the trial and plant counts just met the target with an average of 158 plants/m², or 69% establishment.

The total N budget was 240 kg N/ha, enough for an 8 t/ha crop. Sown on a wheat stubble, soil N at sowing was a typical 63 kg N/ha. The trial was topdressed at 95 kg N/ha (205 kg urea/ha) on July 22^nd and again with 40 kg N/ha (85 kg urea/ha) on August 10^th.

The trial received a fungicide on August 6^th (500 ml/ha Veritas). Little disease was noted at that stage.

The trial was received the first spring irrigation on August 24^th, and again on September 20^th (0.9 Ml/ha on both occasions).

Lodging was noted in mid-October in Commander and Sakurastar. By harvest, lodging had increased across the trial but not to the stage where it affected harvest.

Harvested on November 29^th, the trial averaged 8.1 t/ha. Highest yielding variety was Minotaur.

With thanks to AGT, Seedforce and Seednet for supporting this trial

2020 Variety Trial Summary

In 2020 twelve varieties of barley were sown into good soil moisture on 8th May. Thanks to pre-irrigation and good rains in April and early May. Target plant population was 160 plants/m², or sowing rates of between 88 and 123 kg/ha. Emergence was consistent across the trial and plant counts met the target with an average of 165 plants/m², or 71% establishment.

The total N budget was 260 kg N/ha, enough for an 8 t/ha crop. Sown on a dryland vetch stubble, soil N at sowing was relatively high at 120 kg N/ha. The trial was topdressed at 100 kg N/ha (215 kg urea/ha) on July 9^th.

The trial was received the first spring irrigation on September 1^st, and again on September 24^th. Above average rainfall of 44mm for October was sufficient moisture to finish the trial.

Lodging was noted on September 23^rd in Commander and LaTrobe. By October 12^th many varieties had begun to lodge to varying degrees, with Laperouse and Maximus CL showing some resistance.

Harvested on November 30^th, the trial averaged 6.5 t/ha.

Important Note: This is only one trial in one location/environment. it is advised that you consult other trial results over multiple sites and seasons before making annual variety decisions.

To find out more about each variety you can access brochures on the National Variety testing website.

Variety	Yield (t/ha)
Planet	7.97
Oxford	6.94
Bottler	6.90
Laperouse	6.76
Topstart	6.71
Spartacus CL	6.66
Banks	6.26
LaTrobe	6.18
Westminster	6.16
Alestar	6.15
Maximus CL	6.04
Commander	5.65
p	<0.001
lsd	0.390
cv%	4.10

2019 Results

Twelve barley varieties were sown on May 7^th and harvested on November 25^th. Average yield was 4.2 t/ha as a result of bird damage and lodging due to excessive vegetative growth. The highest yielding variety was Rosalind at 5.8 t/ha. The longer season varieties were the most disappointing.