Effect of sowing date on yield and quality of twenty barley varieties – Condobolin 2016

Abstract

Key findings •• Slower maturing varieties had the highest yields in 2016, uncharacteristic of long-term yield trends in central west NSW, where weather conditions typically favour shorter-season varieties. •• While anthesis date is an important contributor to yield, high rainfall and a long grain-filling period diluted this association and was confounded by lodging, secondary tillering and waterlogging events. •• Highest yields were attained from the second sowing date (mid May), whilst late sowing dates suffered yield penalties due to poor plant establishment from waterlogging.