5. Barley Variety Trials

Transcription

1 5. Rob Wheeler & Amanda Pearce, SARDI, KEY MESSAGES Long-term barley NVT data for the South East region only uses data from the Bordertown and Keith NVT sites; as such these results are most relevant to the Medium Rainfall Zone areas of the region. Three new varieties have the highest production value for the south east NVT region, Rosalind, Compass and Spartacus CL; these varieties were also the highest yielding at the Bordertown and Keith NVT sites. Dry warm spring conditions at northern trials resulted in poor physical grain quality. Variety trials are selected and managed to maximize the full genetic potential of each variety; when selecting varieties ensure that the disease profile of varieties is taken into account. When selecting for the higher rainfall environments, data generated through the MFMG Grower Trials should be utilized. Summary of the South East National Variety Trials In 2015 two NVT barley trials were sown in the south east, Bordertown (23 May), (Table 1) and Keith (21 May), (Table 2). Both sites experienced frost conditions and extreme heat conditions throughout the flowering period, therefore results need to be interpreted with caution. The use of NVT long-term results and data from multiple sites should be considered when making varietal decisions. The Bordertown NVT was harvested on 3 December, and averaged 1.29 t/ha, less than half 2014 site average (3.21 t/ha). Yields were exceptionally low, ranging from 1.91 t/ ha (Compass and Spartacus CL) to 0.54 t/ ha (Oxford). The five top yielding varieties were Compass and Spartacus CL (1.91 t/ha), Rosalind (1.87 t/ha), Hindmarsh (1.86 t/ha) and La Trobe (1.75 t/ha). Conditions tended to favor the early and mid-maturing varieties. Overall physical grain quality was poor. Protein (%) was high ranging from 14.5 % (Keel) to 20.7 % (Navigator) as were screenings, ranging from 22.3 % (Commander) to 79.7 % (Fairview). The Keith NVT was harvested on 23 November, and averaged 1.92 t/ha. Yields ranged from Compass (2.69 t/ha) to Navigator (1.08 t/ha). The five highest yields were Compass (2.69 t/ ha), Rosalind (2.53 t/ha), Spartacus CL (2.24 t/ ha), Scope (2.06 t/ha) and Schooner (2.05 t/ ha). Overall physical grain quality was poor. Protein (%) were high ranging from Keel (14.2 %) to Navigator (19.3 %) as were screenings, ranging from Compass (28.6 %) to Capstan (73.7 %). 54

2 Table 1: Bordertown 2015 Barley NVT yield and quality. Barley plots lodging at Conmurra - November

3 56 Table 2: Keith 2015 Barley NVT yield and quality.

4 South East Long-Term Yield The NVT main barley results formulate a longterm ( ) yield report for the south east region (Figure 1 shows a selected cohort of varieties only, the full suite of varieties can be accessed online). The report presents NVT production value MET (multi-environment) data on a regional mean basis. This reduces the accuracy and reliability of results. For detailed production value data please use the NVT Yield App or Excel Reporting tools available on the NVT website ( The NVT long-term data is generated from the Keith and Bordertown sites only, and does not include data generated by other barley trials in the south east region. As a consequence this data is most relevant to growers in the Medium Rainfall Zone (MRZ) Long-Term Yield ( ) NVT 'Production Value' MET data for barley in the south east region Predicted Average Yield (t/ha) Bass (13) Baudin (6) Buloke (13) Capstan (12) Charger (11) Commander (13) Compass (8) Fairview (8) Fathom (11) Finniss (5) Flagship (11) Fleet (13) Flinders (11) Gairdner (13) Granger (13) Henley (9) Hindmarsh (13) Keel (12) La Trobe (10) Macquarie (10) Maltstar (4) Maritime (10) Navigator (11) Oxford (13) Rosalind (4) Schooner (13) Scope (13) Skipper (7) Sloop SA (9) Spartacus CL (4) SY Rattler (13) Westminster (13) Wimmera (13) Selected barley varities and in brackets the number of trials variety has been evaluated Figure 1: Long-Term Yield ( ) - NVT Production Value MET (multi-environment) data for main barley in the southeast region, selected varieties and in brackets the number of trials variety evaluated. 57

5 MFMG Grower Trial Results In 2015 four MFMG barley variety trials were sown, Conmurra, Frances, Millicent and Sherwood. Varieties evaluated were nominated by MFMG members. Quality results follow the 2015/2016 barley receival standards accessed online at receivalstandards/receivalstandards.asp. In addition to the 2015 trial results, long-term average ( inclusive) yield and quality data for selected varieties at each site has been provided (Table 4, Table 6, Table 8 and Table 10). The average yields have only been included for the varieties that have been in all five years of trials. The average quality data has been provided for all varieties. This data must be interpreted with caution as it can be biased towards varieties that have been evaluated in more favorable conditions or over more years and discredit varieties only evaluated in one year or in seasons with unfavorable conditions. It is provided as an added tool for the tool box and should be used in conjunction with other information when making varietal selections. The Conmurra trial was sown on 28 May and harvested 4 December and evaluated 12 varieties. Yields ranged from 5.07 t/ha (Bass) to 3.78 t/ha (Fathom) and had a site average of 4.31 t/ha (Table 3). There were significant differences between variety yields. Moisture % (ranged from 9.8 % Fathom to 10.1 % Bass) and weight (kg/hl) (ranged 67 kg/hl Navigator to 73 kg/hl Bass) met receival standards for malting/food for all varieties. GrangeR was the only variety to meet malting receival standards (MALT 1) for protein %, retention and screenings. Due to high protein % (and high screenings for Gairdner) all other malting and food varieties only achieved feed grade, with all feed varieties achieving F1. Table 3: MFMG 2015 Conmurra barley variety trial yields and quality data. 58

6 Table 4: MFMG Conmurra barley variety trial long-term results, annual yield (t/ha) and average yield (inclusive) % of site mean and long-term average quality data. The Frances trial was sown 26 May and harvested 3 December. Six varieties were evaluated and yields ranged from 2.39 t/ha (Compass) to 1.69 t/ha (Commander), with a site average 2.03 t/ha (Table 5). There was no significant difference between variety yields. Moisture was consistent between varieties at 9.9 to 10.0 %. Test weights all met malt receival standards, but high protein % (14.9 % (Compass) 17.2 % (Oxford)) made all malting and food varieties only feed grade. Buloke, Commander, Compass and Westminster all were F1 based on screenings, and Hindmarsh and Oxford were F2 as a result of high screenings. Table 5: MFMG 2015 Frances barley variety trial yields and quality data. 59

7 Table 6: MFMG Frances barley variety trial long-term results, annual yield (t/ha) and average yield (inclusive) % of site mean and long-term average quality data. The Millicent trial was sown on 10 June and harvested 4 January 2016, with 14 varieties evaluated (Table 7). Yields ranged from 7.44 t/ ha (Capstan) to 5.14 t/ha (Commander) with a site average of 6.09 t/ha. Significant differences were observed between variety yields, and Capstan, Oxford and Wimmera (6.64 t/ha) were all significantly the same and the highest yielding. Test weights, retention % and screening % all met malt receival standards. Malting varieties protein ranged from 10.6 % (GrangeR) to 12.0 % (Bass and La Trobe), all meeting MALT 1 receival standards. All feed varieties achieved F1 receival standards. 60

8 Table 7: MFMG 2015 Millicent barley variety trial yields and quality data. Table 8 MFMG Millicent barley variety trial long-term results, annual yield (t/ha) and average yield (inclusive) % of site mean and long-term average quality data. 61

9 The Sherwood trial was sown on 22 May and harvested on 2 December. Thirteen varieties were evaluated with yields ranging from 2.82 t/ ha (Compass) to 1.11 t/ha (Navigator) with a site average of 1.98 t/ha (Table 9). A significant difference was observed between variety yields. Compass, Hindmarsh and La Trobe yields were all significantly the same. Moisture of all varieties was below the receival maximum of 13.5 % (9.8 % Buloke 10.2 % Commander and La Trobe). Test weights for all varieties were above the minimum 65 kg/hl required for malting. Protein % and retention % of all malting and food varieties did not meet receival standards for malting, as such all varieties sown achieved feed quality. Feed quality ranged from F1 to F3 based on screening %, which ranged from 4.9 % (Mundah) to 42.6 % (La Trobe). Table 9: MFMG 2015 Sherwood barley variety trial yields and quality data. 62

10 Table 10: MFMG Sherwood barley variety trial long-term results, annual yield (t/ha) and average yield (inclusive) % of site mean and long-term average quality data. General Comments La Trobe barley has gained malting accreditation and the new feed varieties Spartacus CL (IGB1334T) and Rosalind have been commercialised and may be available for sowing in Net form net blotch remains a significant disease threat to barley production across South Australia and growers should refrain from growing barley on barley, or planting highly susceptible varieties, unless a vigilant fungicide strategy is planned. Seed dressings having activity on powdery mildew should be applied to all varieties susceptible to powdery mildew, particularly when sown before June. Hindmarsh and La Trobe are more susceptible to loose smut than other varieties and an appropriate seed smuticide in addition to foliar control of powdery mildew should be considered. Cereal cyst nematode levels should be carefully monitored when susceptible varieties such as Schooner, Scope, Buloke, Oxford and Gairdner are grown. 63

11 Choosing the Correct Variety The decision to grow either a malting or feed variety may depend on one or more factors, including market demand and malting varietal storage segregations in bulk storage facilities; the difference in payments between malting and feed grades as related to yield differences. Furthermore, differential pricing of varieties will continue and growers need to consider market premiums and discounts in addition to agronomic performance to maximize profitability; the probability of producing a malting grade barley; disease resistance and agronomic considerations. For long term stability in farm returns and market supply and demand, farmers now growing only feed varieties should consider including some malting varieties in their cropping. However, it is important that growers contact their grain marketers of choice to discuss market demand prior to sowing a malting variety. Malting barley is grown, stored and sold on a varietyspecific basis and it is important to ascertain if the variety chosen is able to be stored and marketed in your area Notes on Selected Older Varieties Buloke is an export quality profile malting variety developed by VicDPI and released in It is a tall, midseason variety, with a flowering time similar to Commander. Buloke has shown consistent high yield and has useful resistance to net form of net blotch and powdery mildew but susceptibility to CCN and some leaf rust strains. Buloke has averaged slightly lower retention and higher screenings but similar test weight to Commander and is moderately susceptible to black point. Buloke has a moderately short coleoptile and moderately slow early growth. Seed is available through Seednet. Commander is a malting quality variety released by the University of Adelaide in 2008 and suitable for domestic, Chinese and SE Asian export brewing markets. Commander has mid-season maturity and across many seasons, demonstrates wide adaptation and very high yield relative to other malting varieties, particularly in seasons with favourable spring finishes. Commander has excellent grain plumpness, but has generally lower test weight relative to Schooner and Flagship. Commander is resistant to CCN but is moderately susceptible to most foliar diseases including net form net blotch and therefore should not be grown on barley stubble and areas prone to net form net blotch. Seed is available through Seednet. Hindmarsh is an early maturing, semi dwarf, food quality variety developed by VicDPI, and released in Hindmarsh offers excellent yield potential and grain quality with resistance to CCN and net form net blotch, variable resistance to leaf rust and leaf scald and susceptibility to spot form net blotch. Hindmarsh has slow early growth and a short coleoptile and attention to seeding depth is important in stubble retained systems. Where triadimenol seed dressing and pre-emergent herbicide is used, research has shown shallow sowing with increased seed rates to be more advantageous than deeper sowing to avoid potential damage. Seed is available from Seednet. Navigator was developed by the University of Adelaide and released in 2011 as a domestic malt quality variety. Navigator is mid to late maturing, similar to Gairdner but offering higher yield potential, significantly improved physical grain quality and a good disease resistance profile with the exception of high susceptibility to leaf rust and some strains of net form net blotch. Production is targeted for the South East region of SA. Seed is available from Seednet. Oxford is a feed quality variety which has shown very high yield potential in seasons with high spring rainfall. Oxford has late maturity, good straw strength and low shattering. While Oxford is susceptible to CCN, leaf scald and spot form net blotch, it has good resistance to leaf rust and powdery mildew. It is also susceptible to some strains of net form net blotch. Oxford is a useful option for SE high rainfall districts. Seed is available through Heritage Seeds. 64

12 Notes on Selected Newer Varieties Bass has been recently developed by Intergrain and is targeted as an export quality malting accredited variety principally for WA. It is a mid to late maturing variety with variable resistance to scald and leaf rust, resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus but no CCN resistance and it is susceptible to both net and spot form net blotch. Bass has shown very good physical grain quality with high test weight and low screenings. Seed is available from Syngenta. Charger is a malting barley, accredited in 2014 and developed by Carlsberg and Heineken Breweries in collaboration with the University of Adelaide. It is mid maturing with good straw strength and resistance to leaf rust and powdery mildew but is very susceptible to net form of net blotch and leaf scald. Charger has shown consistently high grain yield particularly in favourable environments. Contract production is exclusively managed by Australian Grain Growers Cooperative. Compass has been developed by the University of Adelaide as an early to mid-season maturing, potential malting quality variety and is expected to complete Barley Australia malt accreditation in March It is closely related to Commander but is significantly higher yielding, and has a similar growth habit to Commander but is earlier flowering, with superior straw strength, lodging resistance and net form net blotch resistance. Compass has shown good resistance to leaf rust in SA but is very susceptible to a strain with virulence on the Rph3 gene in eastern Australia. Compass has shown good physical grain quality with high retention and low screenings and moderate test weight. Compass is being segregated at a limited number of locations in 2015 to support market development. Seed is available from Seednet. Fathom is an early maturing feed quality variety developed using wild barley to improve stress tolerance and water use efficiency. Fathom has averaged very high yields similar to Hindmarsh based on NVT data since 2010 and shows good early vigour and weed competitiveness. Fathom has good levels of resistance to CCN, powdery mildew and spot form net blotch. Fathom has shown susceptibility to net form net blotch, scald and leaf rust and is not recommended for growing in high risk situations unless an appropriate fungicide strategy is applied. Seed is available from Seednet. GrangeR is a high yielding variety accredited for malting in It is mid maturing and targeted for areas with more than 400mm rainfall. GrangeR has good levels of resistance to powdery mildew and net form net blotch, variable resistance to leaf rust and leaf scald and susceptibility to spot form net blotch. Seed is available from Heritage Seeds. Spartacus CL is a new imidazolinone tolerant barley, tested as IGB 1334T, with registration for use with an appropriate BASF Clearfield herbicide, making it an alternative to Scope for brome and other grass control. Spartacus CL is in its second year of National Variety Trial evaluation and is a short, early maturing barley with a similar plant type to Hindmarsh and in 2014 exhibited similar agronomic performance for grain yield and disease resistance profile including resistance to CCN. Spartacus CL has commenced Barley Australia malt accreditation but seed is likely to be available for 2016 sowing as a feed option while industry accreditation is completed. Seed is available from Syngenta. La Trobe is a malting accredited variety released from Intergrain in 2014 with early maturity and semi dwarf growth habit and plant architecture very similar to Hindmarsh. Its yield and agronomic performance in SA NVT since 2013 has also been very similar to Hindmarsh with slightly higher yield. La Trobe is resistant to CCN, powdery mildew and net form of net blotch but shows variable resistance to leaf rust and leaf scald. La Trobe seed is available from Syngenta. Rosalind is a feed quality variety recently released by Intergrain. It has only been evaluated in SA NVT since 2014 and in that year, demonstrated high yields with broad adaptation but further evaluation is needed to establish its fit in SA. Based on provisional commercial data, Rosalind has resistance to CCN and useful resistance to net form net blotch, leaf rust, powdery mildew and leaf scald but some susceptibility to spot form net blotch. Seed is available from Syngenta. 65

13 Westminster was developed by European based Nickersons Plant Breeders and is a high yielding, mid-late maturing variety with medium-tall, stiff straw and improved shattering tolerance compared to Gairdner. Malting accreditation was completed in March Westminster has excellent foliar disease resistance coupled with good resistance to black point but is susceptible to spot form of net blotch. Westminster is well suited to the SE of South Australia. Seed is available from Heritage Seeds. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS SARDI s South East New Variety Agronomy Team, based at Struan, who manage the South East National Variety Trials and the MFMG barley variety trials; GRDC National Variety Trials Initiative. 66