NS Kosmaj i NS Maestral: New ns quality feed barley varieties

Abstract

Grain yield is one of the most important and complex traits in small grain breeding programs and its continuous improvement represent the main priority during the development of new cultivars. In addition to grain yield, feed manufacturers and farmers request precise definition and improvement of feed barley quality. Two new varieties of winter six-row barley - NS Kosmaj and NS Maestral were registered by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water management of Republic of Serbia in 2015. These varieties are results of a long breeding process at the Institute of Field and Vegetable crops, Novi Sad. The two-year long trials of the Commission for the registration of varieties of the Republic of Serbia have established that the NS Kosmaj and NS Maestral are distinct, uniform and stable varieties, and at all locations and for all years examined, both have produced standard yield levels, but of a significantly higher quality. These new varieties of winter six-row feed barley are characterized by high genetic potential for yield, which is over 12 t ha-1, and a high protein content desirable for animal feed.