High-performing two-row feed barley varieties impress
Two malting winter barleys and three high yielding two-row feed types make up Clare Leaman’s five winter barley varieties to consider for next season.
Recent years have seen a step up in yield for winter barleys on the HGCA Recommended List, but which one deserves a place in in your drill?
See also: Malting madness: Grow barley on heavy land
1. Talisman
The highest-yielding winter malting barley is Senova’s Talisman, with a UK treated yield of 99%.
An early-maturing variety, with resistance to the common strains of barley mosaic virus and good disease scores, Talisman is still to gain full approval from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, having been provisionally recommended for two years.
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“By June, we will know if it has full approval,” says Mrs Leaman. “So if you are looking for a malting variety, it is certainly one to consider.”
2. Venture
Fully approved for malting and just 1% behind Talisman on yield, SY Venture is the other pick for malting barley growers.
A shorter variety than its rivals, with good resistance to lodging, Venture is also early to mature.
“Its rhynchosporium rating of 4 is on the low side, so that will need managing in a wet season,” she comments. “Otherwise, it is a good choice.
3. Infinity
The highest-yielding two-row feed winter barley, KWS Infinity, is the only new addition to the two-rows for 2015-16.
“Infinity is another one of KWS’ high-performing two-row feed varieties,” she says. “It has a yield of 105%, which puts it at the top of the list, just ahead of Glacier and Tower.”
Choosing between the three KWS varieties is tricky, she acknowledges. “Infinity is better on lodging than Glacier, which will be important to some.”
It is susceptible to mildew, but otherwise its disease ratings are moderate.
4. Glacier
Sitting just 1% behind KWS Infinity is its stablemate, KWS Glacier.
With similar earliness and disease resistance scores, Glacier’s only downside is a lower lodging resistance rating, says Mrs Leaman.
“It’s just one of three varieties that are giving the six-row winter barleys a run for their money.”
5. Tower
Last year’s newcomer, KWS Tower, is another strong contender, says Mrs Leaman.
With a yield of 104%, it has better mildew resistance, but is weaker on net blotch than Infinity and Glacier, she says.
“These varieties only vary on their disease resistance scores. That’s what growers should look at when choosing the right one for their situation.”
