Barley varieties for the north – comparing new releases

Abstract

Key findings • Commander[PBR] continues to perform well in northern NSW in terms of both grain yield and quality. • New varieties for consideration include; – Compass[PBR] which has performed very strongly and appears to have improved straw strength, – LaTrobe[PBR] (IGB1101) and Skipper[PBR] which are quick maturing varieties which is currently a gap for growers in the region., – Navigator[PBR] has also performed well as a longer season malt option and is the most advanced in the malt accreditation process. • Apart from Commander[PBR], all these recently released lines are still undergoing malt accreditation. • Responses to varying plant population and nitrogen rate were evident in some varieties, indicating agronomic management may need to be varied to achieve the full potential of new varieties.