Straw and grain production in spring barley cultivars

Abstract

SummaryGrain and straw yields of a range of spring barley cultivars were assessed in field experiments conducted from 1981 to 1983 in Northern Ireland. Mean straw yields varied between 2·75 t/ha in Inga and 1·94 t/ha in Golden Promise over the 3-year period. Both grain and straw yields varied from year to year, with straw production being more consistent for individual cultivars than grain yield. High grain yields were not associated with high straw yields, straw to grain ratios varying between 0·72 in Midas and 0·51 in Corgi. Neither grain yield nor straw length were good predictors of straw yield of cultivars. The role for and assessment of straw yield in cultivar evaluation is discussed.