www.lgseeds.co.uk

Spring Barley

GROWING FOR THE MARKET

Just how much bigger can the UK spring barley crop get? And where will all of that barley go? Which varieties will perform and which

varieties will be in demand?

Up until 2012, the spring barley area was relatively steady at about 600,000 ha. Autumn 2012 was one to forget and as a consequence

the spring barley crop area leapt to over 900,000 ha in 2013. Plantings did fall back in 2014, but concerns about blackgrass and the ‘three crop rule’ have ensured that the area hasn’t

fallen below 650,000 ha since; indeed it has shown a steady increase to the estimated 685,000 ha planted last spring, with

surveys suggesting a further increase in 2017.

Growing for the Market

PROVIDING GENETIC SOLUTIONS FOR GROWERS

Mark Glew - Limagrain UK’s Senior Barley Breeder

Marketing Lowdown

As growers, we are comfortable with agronomic considerations but perhaps the jargon of the end-users is less familiar, so we hope this Marketing Lowdown will help.

NON-GN Glycosidic Nitriles (GN) are produced at high levels by some barley varieties when they are malted. The use of these varieties in the distilling industry can, under certain conditions, produce significant levels of a potentially harmful compound called ethyl carbamate. The synthesis of these compounds is controlled by a small piece of DNA. Its identification has allowed Limagrain UK to select varieties that do not produce Glycosidic Nitriles. These varieties are described as ‘non-GN’ varieties and are now those preferred by the distilling industry.

IBDThe Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) is an international organisation with over 4,000 members from 95 countries. The IBD’s Vision Statement is: “The advancement of education and professional development in the science and technology of brewing, distilling and related industries”. In the UK, as well as offering training for a host of professional qualifications, they also undertake the testing of all new barley varieties. This determines their suitability for the various brewing and distilling markets. This work results in the approvals seen in this Guide (Table 1) on the AHDB Recommended List.

MALT DISTILLINGMalt whisky is made from malted barley, water and yeast. Batch distillation of the spirit follows a traditional fermentation process. Maltsters typically buy barley at less than 1.65% grain nitrogen for malt distilling.

The domestic demand for malting barley is relatively steady at between 1.75 and 2.0 million tonnes. Even without a further increase in the spring crop, this means that we will have a significant surplus from harvest 2017. Any surplus will have to be exported or find its way into animal feed. There is always export demand, although another desperately bad French harvest is possible, it is unlikely so unless you are close to a port with established export potential, over reliance on a premium for export is a risky strategy.

So what about variety choice?Whenever we discuss spring barley, we always focus on the malting markets and the malting varieties. We should never overlook the fact that a lot of spring barley is grown on mixed farms for home use, or is destined to go into local feed homes. Here, grain yield, specific weight and straw yield, are king. These growers should look closely at the feed credentials of varieties, as not all malting barleys make the best feed varieties.

For the majority of growers and particularly those in Scotland and the north, the domestic demand for brewing and distilling will drive variety choice. Dual purpose varieties are always the best bet and non-GN varieties are a must for the distilling market, but before planting, it is always advisable to talk to your local traders and maltsters to be sure of growing the right varieties to the specifications they require.

DUAL PURPOSE VARIETIES

Dual purpose malting barleys are those that, after testing by the IBD, have proved to be suitable for both brewing and malt distilling. The specific requirements of the two markets can be quite different, particularly in the levels of grain nitrogen required. Malt distillers typically need barley with a nitrogen content below 1.65%, whereas brewers look for nitrogen content of between 1.65% and 1.85%. Growers should check the specific requirements of their chosen end-market and tailor their agronomy accordingly.

Grain distilling uses malted barley, but with the addition of unmalted grains, which are steam cooked under pressure to make the starch more soluble in water. Following fermentation, the wort is distilled in a Patent or Coffey Still, in a continuous process.

Grain distilling requires barley with high levels of enzyme activity. As the nitrogen component contains most of the enzyme in the form of beta-amylase, specific varieties of barley with a grain nitrogen of over 1.85% are usually specified for this use.

GRAIN DISTILLING

TABLE 1: LIMAGRAIN VARIETY MARKET OPTIONS

CONCERTO ODYSSEY OCTAVIA SIENNA LG OPERA OLYMPUS BELGRAVIA

IBD Malting Approval for Brewing Use F F F P T N N

IBD Malting Approval for Distilling Use F F F P T P F

IBD Malting Approval for Grain Distilling Use N N N N N P F

Overseas Malting (Y)* N N N N N N

F Full IBD approval (Y)* * Limagrain data. May be suited to the market.N Not approved by IBD

for this segmentT Under test for IBD approval in this segmentP Provisional IBD approval

DUAL PURPOSE MALTING VARIETIESMALT & GRAIN DISTILLING VARIETIES FEED VARIETIES

UK Treated with fungicide (7.6 t/ha) 104 101 100 94 98 102 93 104 91

East region with fungicide (7.9 t/ha) 105 99 102 95 100 101 - 106 -

West region with fungicide (7.8 t/ha) 102 101 98 95 98 102 - 102 91

North region with fungicide (7.2 t/ha) 105 102 101 93 98 103 91 104 91

Untreated 88 88 85 80 82 86 79 84 80

IBD malting approval for brewing T P F F F N N N N

IBD malting approval for distilling T P F F F P F N N

IBD malting approval for grain distilling N N N N N P F N N

Overseas malting* N N N (Y)* N N N N N

YIELD AND MARKET COMMENT

New to the AHDB Recommended List 2017/18. A very high yielding non-GN variety under testing for both brewing and distilling.

High yielding non-GN dual use malting spring barley with provisional IBD approval for both brewing and distilling.

Full approval by the IBD for brewing and malt distilling. Octavia is a high yielding variety, specifically in the key growing regions of the east and north.

Concerto is a market-leader, fully IBD approved for brewing and distilling. An established variety for which there is good demand.

Odyssey is a high yielding fully IBD approved variety for brewing and distilling.

Olympus has provisional approval by the IBD for the malt and grain distilling category. In the north, Olympus outyields Belgravia by 12%.

Belgravia is the only spring barley with full IBD approval for malt and grain distilling.

The highest yielding feed variety on the AHDB RL 2017/18. Consistent, very high yielding variety across all regions and seasons.

Proven feed variety with good straw biomass, suitable for all areas.

Specific weight (kg/hl) 66.2 70.4 66.2 68.8 68.0 66.4 68.2 66.1 69.8

Screenings % through 2.25 mm 2.6 1.8 1.7 1.4 1.6 2.3 2.1 1.6 -

Screenings % through 2.5 mm 6.9 4.1 4.1 3.2 4.1 5.7 5.1 4.3 -

Nitrogen content (%) 1.35 1.42 1.38 1.45 1.42 1.47 - 1.38 -Hot water extract (l0/kg) 316.2 315.6 316.1 316.0 314.0 312.3 - - -Glycosidic Nitrile (GN) producer* No No No No No No No No -

QUALITY COMMENT

Good grain quality attributes combined with a very high hot water extract and low grain nitrogen.

Sienna offers the best specific weight avalia-ble combined with low screenings and high hot water extract.

Good grain characteristics combined with low nitrogen % and very high hot water extract.

High specific weight, low screenings, low grain N and very high hot water extract.

Low screenings, good specific weight and low grain nitrogen, with high hot water extract.

Non-GN variety with good grain quality, combined with a high grain nitrogen.

An ideal distilling variety with good specific weight, low screenings and high enzyme activity.

Very high yields compensate for a lower specific weight than traditional feed varieties.

Good grain quality with a bold grain and low sieving losses.

Tillering potential* Medium / High Medium / High Medium / High Low / Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium / High Medium

Resistance to lodging 6 7 6 6 6 7 7 7 7

Straw height (cm) 72 79 77 79 75 75 80 73 83

Ripening (+/- Concerto) -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1

Resistance to brackling 8 7 6 8 8 6 7 7 7

Mildew (9) 9 9 8 9 9 (8) (8) (9)

Yellow rust (6) (7) (8) 8 8 (8) 8 (6) (8)

Brown rust 5 5 5 5 3 5 6 4 6

Rhynchosporium 5 6 6 4 5 6 5 6 7

Ramularia 6 8 7 6 6 7 6 5 7

AGRONOMIC / DISEASE COMMENT

A short strawed variety with very good resistance to brackling. Good disease resistance. LG Opera is earlier for maturity; an important characteristic for consideration in the north.

Sienna has a very good agronomic profile, good straw characteristics, combined with solid disease resistance and excellent grain quality. Sienna has agronomic attributes considered important for the feed sector.

A shorter strawed variety with very good disease resistance for key diseases of the north; Rhynchosporium and Ramularia. Similar maturity to Concerto.

Good resistance to lodging and brackling. Good mildew resistance. Rhynchosporium levels should be monitored and a robust fungicide treatment considered, for control of this yield robbing disease.

Short, with good brackling resistance. Good all-round disease resistance, particularly to mildew and yellow rust. Brown rust levels will need moitoring in the south-east.

Olympus has good lodging resistance and an improved disease resistance profile. Nitrogen applications may need to be reviewed if aiming for high grain nitrogen contracts.

Stiff strawed variety with good resistance to brackling. Excellent resistance to mildew, combined with good resistance to Rhynchosporium and Ramularia.

Ovation offers good straw characteristics combined with a good disease package. Monitor for leaf rusts and treat appropriately.

Long, relatively stiff straw with good resistance to brackling. Very good resistance to all diseases, especially mildew, Ramularia and Rhynchosporium.

Overture x Tamtam Chronicle x Genie Odyssey x SY Universal Minstrel x Westminster Concerto x Quench Genie x Tesla Minstrel x Westminster Odyssey x Tesla NSL 97-5547 x Barke

LG Spring Barley Guide

S P R I N G M A LT I N G B A R L E Y

LG OPERAO

( ) - Limited Data, F - Full IBD Approval, P - Provisional IBD Approval, T - Under test for IBD approval in this segment, N - Not Approved by IBD for this segment, (Y)* - May be suited to this market, * - Limagrain data.

YIELD

MARKET OPTIONS

GRAIN QUALITY

AGRONOMIC FEATURES

DISEASE RESISTANCE

PEDIGREE

Octavia is high yielding in the east and north; outyielding Odyssey by 2% in the east and 3% in the north. Octavia is competitive for yield with KWS Irina in the eastern region.

Octavia has similar standing power and ripening to the market leaders’ in this sector; Concerto and Odyssey.

Octavia has good grain quality characteristics, combined with low nitrogen accumulation and a very high hot water extract - important traits for the malting industry.Octavia is a non-GN variety with full approval by the IBD for brewing and malt distilling use.

Octavia is now the highest yielding fully approved dual-use spring barley.

“ Agronomically, Octavia offers a very sound package, and having one of the best hot water extract figures on the AHDB RL, should make it a very desirable variety for the malting industry.

Breeder’s Comment”

OCTAVIA ODYSSEY CONCERTO PROPINO

Resistance to Lodging 6 6 6 7Straw Height (cm) 77 75 79 77Ripening (+/- Concerto) 0 0 0 -1Resistance to Brackling 6 8 8 8DISEASE RESISTANCEMildew 9 9 8 6Yellow Rust (8) 8 8 4Brown Rust 5 3 5 5Rhynchosporium 6 5 4 6Ramularia 7 6 6 6

OCTAVIA ODYSSEY CONCERTO PROPINO

Specific Weight (kg/hl) 66.2 68.0 68.8 68.0 Screenings % (thro 2.25mm) 1.7 1.6 1.4 1.1Screenings % (thro 2.5mm) 4.1 4.1 3.2 2.4Nitrogen Content (%) 1.38 1.42 1.45 1.48Hot Water Extract (lo/kg) 316.1 314.0 316.0 313.2

10098

94

100

102100

989595

100 10198 9898

101

93

UK Treatedwith Fungicide

UK Treated

Yiel

d (%

mea

n of

trea

ted

cont

rols)

Yiel

d (%

mea

n of

trea

ted

cont

rols)

East Regionwith Fungicide

East Region West Regionwith Fungicide

West Region North Regionwith Fungicide

North Region

93

105

101

95

102100

95

105

98

94

104

100

OCTAVIA

ODYSSEY

CONCERTO

PROPINO

LG OPERA

PROPINO

CONCERTO

Sienna is also a desirable feed variety, particularly as long-time favourites, such as Westminster, Kelim and Waggon have now been removed from the AHDB RL 2017/18.

Varieties with a high specific weight not only produce attractive samples, but offer security for on-farm performance. They appear more robust in terms of yield performance, especially in years of induced stress, due to delayed nutrient treatments or erratic weather patterns and drought situations.

Sienna is similar to Westminster and shares many of the agronomic attributes considered of high importance by livestock farmers. Sienna offers excellent straw characteristics, in combination with a strong disease resistance package, which accounts for the variety’s very good untreated yield in trials.

Straw quantity and quality are important attributes for livestock growers and should be taken into consideration, along with high grain yield, when decision-making.

The following chart provided by Agrii – Throws Farm shows both grain and straw yield for a range of spring barley varieties in trials, in 2015.

The drive for higher yields in new varieties seems to correlate to a fall in specific weights. Sienna bucks this trend and has the best specific weight on the new AHDB RL 2017/18. Specific weight is an important agronomic attribute to growers in the feed sector.

Grai

n Yi

eld

(t/ha

)

6.005.505.004.504.00

8.40

8.60

8.80

9.00

9.20

9.40

9.60

9.80

66.266.466.1 65.866.1

PropinoConcertoSienna

Spec

ific W

eigh

t (kg

/hl)

KWS Irina

RGT Planet

OvationOctaviaOlympus Laureate

70.4

68.8

67.668.0

Sienna is a high yielding, non-GN spring malting barley, with provisional IBD approval for distilling use.

“ Sienna has the best specific weight on the AHDB RL 2017/18 - a trait seen consistently across all types of trial.Breeder’s Comment”

Sienna offers the best specific weight available, combined with low screenings and high hot water extract. Specific weight is important in the malting industry, as it has an economic impact. Malting is a volume-based process, with low specific weights causing reduced throughput in the processing plants. Growers with low specific weight parcels will incur penalties if specifications are not met, especially in times of over-production.

Sienna exhibits many of the benefits associated with the feed variety; Westminster, offering livestock farmers a higher yielding alternative to this variety.

SIENNA ODYSSEY CONCERTO WESTMINSTER

Resistance to Lodging 7 6 6 7Straw Height (cm) 79 75 79 83Ripening (+/- Concerto) 0 0 0 -1Resistance to Brackling 7 8 8 7DISEASE RESISTANCEMildew 9 9 8 (9)Yellow Rust (7) 8 8 (8)Brown Rust 5 3 5 6Rhynchosporium 6 5 4 7Ramularia 8 6 6 7

Sienna has competitive yields in all regions, outyielding Odyssey by 4% in the north and 3% in the west.

Sienna has relatively tall straw like Concerto, but offers good resistance to lodging and brackling.The variety has a good disease resistance profile backed up by its high untreated grain yield in trials.

* AHD

B RL 2016/17 data

SIENNA ODYSSEY CONCERTO WESTMINSTER

Specific Weight (kg/hl) 70.4 68.0 68.8 69.8Screenings % (thro 2.25mm) 1.8 1.6 1.4 (1.2)*Screenings % (thro 2.5mm) 4.1 4.1 3.2 (3.3)*Nitrogen Content (%) 1.42 1.42 1.45 -Hot Water Extract (lo/kg) 315.6 314.0 316.0 -

88

828080

10198

91

Treated

Yiel

d (%

mea

n of

trea

ted

cont

rols)

Untreated

94

SIENNA

ODYSSEY

CONCERTO

WESTMINSTER

LG Opera is an exciting addition to the 2017/18 AHDB RL, offering an earlier maturing, very high yielding, non-GN, dual use variety.

“ LG Opera is a dual-use

variety, offering similar yields to

the highest yielding varieties in

each market sector.Breeder’s Comment ”

S P R I N G M A LT I N G B A R L E Y

LG OPERAO

LG Opera has shown consistently high yields across all regions, outyielding Concerto by 10% in the east, 7% in the west and 12% in the north. Yield is similar to Laureate and RGT Planet.

LG Opera is a shorter strawed variety, with good brackling resistance.

Earlier maturity is a key attribute for northern growers, enhanced by a similar disease resistant profile to Concerto.

The variety offers a low grain nitrogen content, and the highest hot water extract on the AHDB RL 2017/18.

LG OPERA CONCERTO PROPINO

Resistance to Lodging 6 6 7Straw Height (cm) 72 79 77Ripening (+/- Concerto) -1 0 -1Resistance to Brackling 8 8 8DISEASE RESISTANCEMildew (9) 8 6Yellow Rust (6) 8 4Brown Rust 5 5 5Rhynchosporium 5 4 6Ramularia 6 6 6

LG OPERA CONCERTO PROPINO

Specific Weight (kg/hl) 66.2 68.8 68.0Screenings % (thro 2.25mm) 2.6 1.4 1.1Screenings % (thro 2.5mm) 6.9 3.2 2.4Nitrogen Content (%) 1.35 1.45 1.48Hot Water Extract (lo/kg) 316.2 316.0 313.2

SIENNA - AS A FEED VARIETY

Straw Yield (t/ha)

Agrii Trial, Throws Farm

UK Yield

Specific WeightAHDB Recommended List 2017/18

Olympus

Sienna

Ovation

Westminster

Kelim

Laureate

ConcertoNFC Tipple

Planet

Octavia

Waggon

Odyssey

10.00

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

The variety has a very good disease resistance profile, with a 6 rating for the yield robbing disease; Rhynchosporium.

Both high grain yield and high straw yield (within green box) are important considerations for livestock farmers when selecting varieties. Sienna, Olympus and Ovation have shown very high yield potential in trials and higher tillering capabilities, suggesting higher straw yield potential.

Westminster continues to be a favoured feed spring barley in demand in livestock regions. Although a lower yielding variety, growers value its agronomic attributes of high straw yield and good grain quality.

“ 11 years after its introduction, Westminster remains a popular variety with livestock farmers.

Breeder’s Comment ”

Westminster continues to offer growers competitive yields on-farm, with good agronomic attributes.

Westminster is one of a few varieties with a very high specific weight, combined with low sieving losses, making it an ideal variety in the feed spring barley sector.

Having tall, stiff straw with good brackling resistance combined with very good disease resistance, makes Westminster ideal to grow on the less intensive farm holdings within the UK.Westminster is the grandparent of many of the new successful lines coming through the Limagrain breeding programme. Its genetic disease resistance was seen as a key trait for its inclusion as a parent for crossing, to produce future generations.

WESTMINSTER WAGGON CONCERTO

Resistance to Lodging 7 7 6Straw Height (cm) 83 76 79Ripening (+/- Concerto) -1 -2 0Resistance to Brackling 7 7 8DISEASE RESISTANCEMildew (9) (9) 8Yellow Rust (8) (7) 8Brown Rust 6 5 5Rhynchosporium 7 3 4Ramularia 7 8 6

WESTMINSTER WAGGON CONCERTO

Specific Weight (kg/hl) 69.8 67.2 68.8Screenings % (thro 2.25mm) - - 1.4Screenings % (thro 2.5mm) - - 3.2

Ovation is the highest yielding feed spring barley on the AHDB Recommended List 2017/18.

“ Ovation has shown very high grain yield potential and has produced very good straw yields.

Breeder’s Comment”

Ovation has moderately short straw, but is a strong tillering variety. It has good lodging and brackling resistance.

Ovation has good resistance to the significant disease; Rhynchosporium. This is a valuable asset for a feed variety grown in livestock regions, which are often associated with higher rainfall.

Ovation offers grain quality similar to other leading, high yielding varieties. Lower specific weights appears to be a consequence of breeding for very high yield potential.

OVATION RGT PLANET KWS IRINA WESTMINSTER

Specific Weight (kg/hl) 66.1 67.6 65.8 69.8Screenings % (thro 2.25mm) 1.6 1.6 2.0 -Screenings % (thro 2.5mm) 4.3 4.2 4.8 -Nitrogen Content (%) 1.38 1.39 1.42 -Hot Water Extract (lo/kg) 312.9 314.7 314.7 -

OVATION RGT PLANET KWS IRINA WESTMINSTER

Resistance to Lodging 7 7 8 7Straw Height (cm) 73 75 71 83Ripening (+/- Concerto) 0 -1 -1 -1Resistance to Brackling 7 8 9 7DISEASE RESISTANCEMildew (8) 9 9 (9)Yellow Rust (6) (4) (6) (8)Brown Rust 4 4 4 6Rhynchosporium 6 6 5 7Ramularia 5 8 7 7

91

TREATED UK %

Yiel

d (%

mea

n of

trea

ted

cont

rols)

104104105

OVATION RGT Planet

KWS Irina

Westminster

OVATION - CONSISTENCY OF SEASONAL YIELD PERFORMANCE

Yiel

d (%

mea

n of

trea

ted

cont

rols)

100

105

110

2015 2014 2013

106105 105

103

9391

101

95

Olympus is an exciting malting barley with provisional approval by the IBD for both malt and grain distilling.

“ Olympus offers growers a Belgravia replacement with a significant increase in yield.

Breeder’s Comment”

Olympus is shorter than Odyssey with good straw attributes, combined with a good disease resistance profile and a similar maturity to Concerto.

Olympus offers significantly higher yields than the current market-leading variety for this sector - Belgravia.Olympus shows consistently high yields over seasons and regions - a valuable asset in our increasingly variable climate.In the north, Olympus outyields Concerto by 10% and Belgravia by a significant 12%.

Olympus has good specific weight and low screenings. It has a higher grain nitrogen content which is ideal for the grain distilling sector. With high yields and good straw attributes, Olympus is well suited as a northern feed barley.

OLYMPUS CONCERTO BELGRAVIA

Resistance to Lodging 7 6 7Straw Height (cm) 75 79 80Ripening (+/- Concerto) 0 0 0Resistance to Brackling 6 8 7DISEASE RESISTANCEMildew 9 8 (8)Yellow Rust (8) 8 8Brown Rust 5 5 6Rhynchosporium 6 4 5Ramularia 7 6 6

OLYMPUS CONCERTO BELGRAVIA

Specific Weight (kg/hl) 66.4 68.8 68.2Screenings % (thro 2.25mm) 2.3 1.4 2.1Screenings % (thro 2.5mm) 5.7 3.2 5.1Nitrogen Content (%) 1.47 1.45 -Hot Water Extract (lo/kg) 312.3 316.0 -

102

94

UK Treatedwith Fungicide (7.6 t/ha)

Yiel

d (%

mea

n of

trea

ted

cont

rols)

East Regionwith Fungicide (7.9 t/ha)

North Regionwith Fungicide (7.2t/ha)

OLYMPUS BELGRAVIACONCERTO

93

Of the 2015 crop, almost half of all the malting barley bought by MAGB members, was Concerto.

“ Concerto continues to be the ‘benchmark variety’ for the malting and distilling industry, since its introduction in 2009. It produces high yields of malting quality grain, suitable for the majority of outlets, both in the UK and abroad.Breeder’s Comment”

High spirit yield keeps Concerto at the top of the malt distillers buying lists.

Good agronomic attributes and strong market demand has ensured Concerto’s favoured postition with growers.

Good physical grain quality with a very high hot water extract and low grain nitrogen.A non-GN producer which has shown high malt extract and spirit yield in commercial bulks; all traits required by the industry. Fully approved by the IBD for brewing and distilling, and also CBMO (French equivalent organisation), giving export potential.

CONCERTO ODYSSEY PROPINO

Resistance to Lodging 6 6 7Straw Height (cm) 79 75 77Ripening (+/- Concerto) 0 0 -1Resistance to Brackling 8 8 8DISEASE RESISTANCEMildew 8 9 6Yellow Rust 8 8 4Brown Rust 5 3 5Rhynchosporium 4 5 6Ramularia 6 6 6

CONCERTO ODYSSEY PROPINO

Specific Weight (kg/hl) 68.8 68.0 68.0Screenings % (thro 2.25mm) 1.4 1.6 1.1Screenings % (thro 2.5mm) 3.2 4.1 2.4Nitrogen Content (%) 1.45 1.42 1.48Hot Water Extract (lo/kg) 316.0 314.0 313.2

In the West, Ovation is a good alternative to Westminster.

MAGB Barley Purchases; England & Scotland, Combined 10 Year Trend

Tonn

es p

urch

ased

(000

’s)

2000’

1800’

1600’

1400’

1200’

1000’

800’

600’

400’

200’

02015

Others (W+S)

Westminster Moonshine

Oxbridge

PublicanOptic

Pearl

Cocktail

Decanter

FlagonCassata

Belgravia

Maris OtterVenture

Fanfare

Tipple

Quench

PropinoOdyssey

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Spring Barley Agronomy

It is important that growers recognise that additional yield improvements may have implications on how we grow spring barley, to achieve both high yield and the contractual specifications of the chosen end market.

Limagrain continue to invest in trials; both internally and externally with other parties, to evaluate the agronomic requirements of the spring barley crop and the subtle differences between varieties, to ensure both high yield and end-use specifications are met. Areas of interest include; sowing date, seed rate, tillering ability and additional nitrogen strategies – all key attributes necessary for ensuring good crop performance, which we will now look at in more detail.

Spring barley yield potential has increased significantly in the last ten years with breeders pushing for higher yields, combined with good agronomic characteristics and end-use attributes. New varieties added to the AHDB Recommended List are 10%+ higher yielding than Concerto, which was introduced in 2009, with malting varieties now having equal or better yield potential than standard feed varieties - thanks to breeders’ influence on germplasm.

Limagrain UK have a very successful breeding programme and are interested in driving the additional yield benefits of new varieties and the improved agronomic attributes, which may influence variety performance, both on-farm and with the end-user.

Limagrain do not advise definitive seed rates for spring barley and can only suggest suitable seeding rates based on a breeder’s knowledge of the variety, gained through both plot and field trials. Grower’s knowledge from previous experience of drilling date, soil conditions and yield performance on the farm are even more important for establishing final target populations.

Limagrain have carried out trials for three consecutive years looking at drilling date and sowing rate, in both Scotland and England, to determine applicable seed rate figures.

Chart 1 (below) shows a three year data set from a trial site in Norfolk for a range of Limagrain varieties

compared to the control varieties; Concerto and Propino, at three seed rates with a standard 350 seeds/m2, against +/- 25% for comparison. (Please note the three differing drilling dates for each year).

The newer varieties certainly show a significant yield increase over the standard controls; Concerto and Propino, and although the differing seed rates would appear similar, the general trend would suggest that the 350 seeds/m2 had a slight advantage for most varieties, over the three years.

Drilling date certainly appears to have an influence on final yield potential, but we think it’s important to stress

that very early drilling should only be pursued if weather and soil conditions, including temperature, allow for good germination and plant establishment. Patience is a virtue, especially regarding the sowing of any spring crop, and waiting until conditions are favourable, is essential.

The conclusion of three years of work suggests that a starting point of 350 seeds/m2 would appear to be the optimum for most varieties in ideal growing conditions. This figure can then be either increased or decreased depending on the situation, as outlined previously, this would concur with standard seed rates of around 325 – 375/m2 being used by growers on-farm today.

Seed rates should only be increased significantly if drilling conditions are poor, i.e. delayed drilling (Mid-April

onwards) due to a wet spring or in a blackgrass situation.

TILLER COUNTS

NITROGEN INTERACTION

Nitrogen Interaction continues overleaf

Limagrain have been recording tiller counts for several years in Scotland, and data very strongly suggests that newer varieties are producing higher tiller counts, with the benefit of increased yield. Varieties with higher tiller counts also show benefits in situations of stress, i.e. drought, and show that they will compensate where plant numbers are low, whereas low tillering varieties

are limited in their capacity to compensate. Interestingly, the target final tiller number in the AHDB Barley Growth Guide is 775/m2 (3 shoots/plant), and by looking at both trials and farm plant populations this appears to be underachieved in many situations, suggesting that full yield potential is not being reached.

CHART 1: LIMAGRAIN VARIETY v SEED RATE TRIAL H16 3 year dataset. Site - Docking/Norfolk

Yiel

d T/

Ha

262/m2 350/m2 437/m2

CONCERTO ODYSSEY PROPINO OCTAVIA SIENNA OLYMPUS OVATION LG OPERA

55.5

66.5

77.5

88.5

99.510

262/m2 350/m2 437/m2 262/m2 350/m2 437/m2 262/m2 350/m2 437/m2 262/m2 350/m2 437/m2 262/m2 350/m2 437/m2 262/m2 350/m2 437/m2 262/m2 350/m2 437/m2

2014 (26 February) 2015 (5 March) 2016 (16 March)

CHART 2: SPRING BARLEY FINAL TILLER COUNTS/m2

Three Year Mean

Tille

r cou

nts /

m2

800

750

700

650

600

550

500ODYSSEY PROPINO OCTAVIA SIENNA OLYMPUS OVATIONCONCERTO

Mean 2015Mean 2016 Mean 2014 Mean

Limagrain has a comprehensive dataset for variety tiller counts, and Chart 2 (above) shows that the newer varieties, over three years, do have higher tiller counts than the older control varieties; Concerto and Propino. Exploring datasets from trials in 2015 and 2016 of tiller counts vs. yield performance, it is very evident that establishing and more importantly ensuring a final tiller count of around 775/m2 will ensure full yield potential. A lower tillering variety, such as; Concerto, will achieve very high yields if this target figure is met, and consideration for either a higher seeding rate or additional nitrogen

Limagrain have a theory that if spring barley yields have increased by 10%+ then perhaps the conventional approach to the crops fertiliser regime should be investigated to see if additional yield performance can be obtained with higher rates of nitrogen. Of course, this is not straightforward, as the final grain nitrogen % cannot be compromised, especially if growing for the malt distilling market, which requires a low grain nitrogen content.

inputs if plant counts are low, should be implemented. Certainly, Concerto suffers severely if low tiller counts are obtained, whereas the newer varieties would appear to compensate better, due to the higher tiller counts achievable from lower plant counts, if the season dictates.

Interestingly, trials would suggest that final tiller counts can be pushed over 1000/m2 in very fertile soil conditions. Results would suggest no additional yield performance over the 775/m2 final tiller target, and additional negative agronomic traits may be induced, such as lower specific weights, increased lodging and disease pressure.

Higher grain nitrogen contents, as required by the brewing and grain nitrogen contracts, should offer opportunities for driving additional yield potential with higher rates of nitrogen, while still achieving the specific grain nitrogen %. The importance of what market you are growing for and the grain nitrogen content required cannot be underestimated, as this will dictate both variety choice and agronomic practice.

SEED RATEFor an in-depth guide

on seed rates, visit www.lgseeds.co.uk

Distillers require barley with a low grain nitrogen

content

Limagrain UK Ltd. Rothwell, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN7 6DT

Tel: 01472 371471 Email: enquiries@limagrain.co.uk

www.lgseeds.co.uk/springbarley

Limagrain UK Ltd Registered No: 1305690. Registered Office: Rothwell, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. All data is from AHDB Recommended Lists database, except where marked* which indicates Limagrain trials data or otherwise indicated. See cereals.ahdb.org.uk/ for full dataset. On the 1-9 scales, high figures indicate that the variety shows the character to a high degree. ( ) = Limited Data.

Printed Dec 2016.

Contact your usual seed merchant:

@lgseedsuk

Spring Barley Agronomy continued...

NITROGEN INTERACTION continued...

The newer varieties; Olympus, Octavia and Sienna are compared to Concerto – looking at three seed rates, with a standard nitrogen treatment of 120 kg/ha against a higher nitrogen rate of 150 kg/ha (Chart 3).

Limagrain, in collaboration with Scottish Agronomy, carried out trials in 2016 looking at seed rate and nitrogen interaction.

Higher nitrogen rate of additional 30 kg/ha at growth stage 12-20 gave a yield increase over standard nitrogen rate, over all seed rates.

Additional nitrogen to the lower tillering varieties; Concerto and Olympus, at the lower seed rate (250 seeds/m2) increased both tiller number and final yield significantly.

Higher tillering varieties; Octavia and Sienna, were able to compensate for low seed rates.

Nitrogen increased yield potential by enhancing plant health, ear fertility, grain size and extended grain fill period.

Seed rate and nitrogen rate would appear to have no influence on final specific weight.

Sienna has excellent specific weight in all trials.

CHART 3: VARIETY SEED RATE v NITROGEN INTERACTION 3 year dataset. Source: Limagrain UK data

Yiel

d T/

Ha

Specific Weight

6 63

64

65

66

67

68

6.5 63.5

64.5

65.5

66.5

67.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

9

9.5

10

10.5

250 seeds/120kg N

250 seeds/150kg N

350 seeds/120kg N

350 seeds/150kg N

450 seeds/120kg N

450 seeds/150kg N

250 seeds/120kg N

250 seeds/150kg N

350 seeds/120kg N

350 seeds/150kg N

450 seeds/120kg N

450 seeds/150kg N

250 seeds/120kg N

250 seeds/150kg N

350 seeds/120kg N

350 seeds/150kg N

450 seeds/120kg N

450 seeds/150kg N

250 seeds/120kg N

250 seeds/150kg N

350 seeds/120kg N

350 seeds/150kg N

450 seeds/120kg N

450 seeds/150kg N

Yield T/Ha Specific Weight

Points of interest:

CONCERTO OLYMPUS OCTAVIA SIENNA