Barley Research Articles

Germination process impact on proximate, minerals, and phytochemicals of malt barley, Abyssinian purple-colored barley and wheat

In this study we aimed to determine germination time impact on the proximate, minerals and phytochemicals content of malt barley, Abyssinian purple-colored barley and wheat grow in Southern highland of Tigray. Germination evenly affected protein, carbohydrate, iron, calcium, zinc, and phenolic. It also inversely affected the fiber, fat, ash, tannin, and anthocyanin content of the colored cereals. The crude protein content of raw cereals, which ranged from 6.30 to 8.40% increased after germination to 6.60–8.90%. Mineral element of mature cereals varied across cultivars and their level increased (171.4–223.3 to 227.3–249.8 mg/100 g) after germination. After 72 h germination time, condensed tannin concentration decreased from 2.27 to 5.24 into 0.20–3.6 mg GAE per 100 g. The phenolic content tripled from 63.5 to 189.6 mg GAE per 100 g in germinated samples. Anthocyanin of raw whole purple colored-barley had highest value (303.0 mg GAE/100 g) and followed by raw purple colored wheat (266.0 mg GAE/ 100 g). Both purple colored-barley and -wheat showed decreased TAC after germination, along with changes in protein, mineral and tannin. When after germination, it drastically decreased into 207.2 and 137.4 mg GAE/100 g. Germinated cereal which had higher protein and mineral content showed very strong positive correlation. A germination process should be accounted for improved utilization of these purple-colored cereals might be best alternative sources of malt. While germination inversely influenced to anthocyanins. Thus, it is vulnerable molecules that require special stabilization treatments during food preparation and processing.

Association mapping unravels the genetic basis for drought related traits in different developmental stages of barley

Drought stress significantly reduces crop yields at all stages of plant development. Barley, known for its abiotic-stress adaptation among cereals was used to examine the genetic basis of drought tolerance. A population of 164 spring barley lines was subjected to polyethylene glycol (PEG) induced drought stress during germination and seedling development. Six traits were measured, including germination percentage and rate, seedling length and weight, and root-to-shoot ratios. Seedling area, volume, and root and shoot diameter was acquired with a flatbed scanner. This population was also subjected to short-term drought during the heading stage in the greenhouse. Root and shoot weight and grain yield data were collected from well watered and droughted plants. Significant variation within traits were observed and several of them exhibited strong correlations with each other. In this population, two genotypes had 100% germination under PEG-induced drought and drought tolerance throughout the heading stage of plant development. A genome-wide association scan (GWAS) revealed 64 significant marker-trait associations across all seven barley chromosomes. Candidate genes related to abiotic stress and germination were identified within a 0.5Mbp interval around these SNPs. In silico analysis indicated a high frequency of differential expression of the candidate genes in response to stress. This study enabled identification of barley lines useful for drought tolerance breeding and pinpointed candidate genes for enhancing drought resiliency in barley.

Impact of Harvest Delay and Barley Variety on Grain Nutritional Composition and Mycotoxin Contamination

This study investigated the effects of delayed harvesting, varying meteorological conditions, and barley variety on Fusarium spp. infection rates, nutritional composition, and mycotoxin contamination in barley grains. Field experiments were conducted from 2020 to 2022 and involved two barley varieties: ‘Laureate’ for malting and ‘Luokė’ for feed. The results indicated that the dominant Fusarium species isolated were F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum, and F. equiseti. These tended to increase in number with delayed harvest times and were more prevalent during harvest periods of higher precipitation (p < 0.05). Malting barley had higher starch and lower protein content compared to feed barley (p < 0.05). Delayed harvesting generally increased dry matter, crude fat, and crude ash contents while decreasing crude protein, zinc, and iron contents (p < 0.05). Mycotoxin analysis revealed significant differences under specific weather conditions. HT-2 toxin levels were higher under slightly warmer and wetter conditions during flowering, with harvest conditions similar to the long-term average. Zearalenone levels increased with dry, warm growing seasons followed by rainy harvests. Nivalenol and enniatin levels increased with rainy growing seasons and dry, warm harvests. Deoxynivalenol concentrations did not reach the limit of quantification throughout the study. No consistent trend was observed for higher contamination in any specific barley variety (p > 0.05). The strongest correlations between mycotoxins and nutritional value indicators were observed with less-studied mycotoxins, such as nivalenol and enniatins, which exhibited negative correlations with crude protein (p < 0.01), crude fat (p < 0.05), and zinc (p < 0.01), and positive correlations with crude ash (p < 0.05) and phosphorus (p < 0.01).

Effect of Nitrogen Levels and Cutting Treatments on Forage and Grain Yields of Dual Purpose Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Egypt

Effect of Nitrogen Levels and Cutting Treatments on Forage and Grain Yields of Dual Purpose Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Egypt

The influence of climatic factors on the effect of growth regulators in agrocenoses of spring barley

Relevance. In recent years, under the conditions of climate change, there has been a tendency to reduce the acreage of spring barley, reduce the quantity and quality of grain. From the point of view of ensuring the stability of gross grain harvests and ecology, it is necessary to manage the agrocenosis.Methods. The experiments were conducted in 2021–2024 agricultural years in the conditions of the Azov sea zone of the Rostov region. Objects of research: Leon spring barley variety and growth regulators “Artafit” (0.3 l/ha), “Biodux” (3 ml/ha), “Obereg” (60 ml/ha), “Trainer” (3 l/ha), “Fulvohumate” (0.4 l/ha).Results. The climatic conditions in 2024 were extreme in terms of low rainfall and high amounts of spring temperatures. The year 2023 was the most favorable from this point of view. The yield level correlates with the level of moisture in the spring period, the highest indicators were observed in 2023, and the lowest in 2024. In the current market conditions and annual price increases, unit production costs are increasing. Thus, in 2024, the cultivation of spring barley turned out to be unprofitable. Moreover, the use of biological products did not allow us to gain a plus. In 2022 and 2023, the use of the drug “Trainer” turned out to be unprofitable due to the high cost of the drug. “Biodux” and “Obereg” showed the highest profitability.

Using breeding indices for evaluating collection samples of spring barley Hordeum vulgare L.

The article presents experimental data on determination of adaptive properties and productivity of Hordeum vulgare L. ssp. distichon (L.) Körn. and H. vulgare L. ssp. vulgare samples of different ecological and geographical origin on the basis of breeding indices. Under contrasting conditions of the growing seasons, 2022 and 2023, 35 samples were studied for elements of grain productivity (ear length, number of grains in the ear and their weight, plant height). The field study was carried out at the experimental site of the biostation University of Tyumen “Lake Kuchak” (Nizhnetavdinsky District, Tyumen Province). The evaluation of productivity in the relationship “genotype — environment” showed that the following breeding indices are the most informative: Canadian, Mexican, linear ear density, plant productivity. On the basis of point ranking on the complex of indices, the best samples were: Zernogradsky 813, k-30453, Abalak, k-31201, Russia; Knezsa 65, k-22809, Hungary (var. erectum, nutans); Rokkaku-yabane, k-10986, Japan (var. brachyatherum). Higher yields were obtained under relatively favorable growing conditions in 2022, up to 439.8 g/m2 for double-row and up to 454.8 g/m2 for multi-row barley accessions; under stress conditions, up to 455.4 and 218.1 g/m2, respectively. Under stress conditions in 2023 compared to 2022, the multi-row barley samples showed an increase in the strength of correlation of yield with Canadian index (r = 0.73), plant productivity index (r = 0.66), linear ear density index (r = 0.58), Mexican index (r = 0.52). Two-row samples showed weaker correlation of yield with these indices. The exception was the Mexican index, characterized by a stable correlation coefficient over the years (r = 0.35).

Heat stress causes chromatin accessibility and related gene expression changes in crown tissues of barley (Hordeum vulgare).

Plant responses to stress caused by high temperatures involve changes occurring at the molecular, metabolic, and physiological levels. Understanding the mechanisms by which plants recognize signals to activate this response is a prerequisite for identifying key genes and signaling pathways and for obtaining heat-tolerant plants. We demonstrated the first implementation of an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin to identify open chromatin regions (OCRs) in crown tissues of barley using three genotypes carrying different allelic forms of the sdw1 gene encoding gibberellin 20-oxidase subjected to elevated temperatures. In parallel, we performed gene expression analysis, which allowed us to relate changes in chromatin state to changes in transcriptional activity. The obtained data revealed that the hypersensitive chromatin regions within the genes were more repeatable than those outside the gene intervals. We observed that prolonged exposure to high temperatures increased chromatin accessibility. Genes with OCRs in their regulatory regions were involved in stress signaling and tolerance, including calcium-dependent protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK3), receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLK), TIFY domain-containing transcriptional regulator, bZIP transcription factor, and regulatory protein NPR1. The effect of genotype on gene expression was not as pronounced as that of temperature. By combining results from the differential analysis of chromatin accessibility and expression profiles, we identified genes with high temperature-induced changes in chromatin accessibility associated with expression alterations. Importantly, our data revealed a relationship between the loss of chromatin accessibility in response to heat and the downregulation of genes related to gibberellin signaling.

BW312 Hordeum vulgare semi-dwarf mutant exhibits a shifted metabolic profile towards pathogen resistance.

Plant hormonal mutants, which do not produce or are insensitive to hormones, are often affected in their growth and development, but other metabolic rearrangements might be involved. A trade-off between growth and stress response is necessary for the plant survival. Here, we explore the metabolic profile and the pathogen resistance of a brassinosteroid-insensitive Hordeum vulgare L. semi-dwarf mutant, BW312. We investigate BW312 metabolism through a chemical enrichment analysis, confirming a shifted metabolic profile towards pathogen resistance. The effective pathogen resistance of the mutant was tested in presence of Pyrenophora teres and Fusarium graminearum. Four compound families were increased in the mutant (pyrrolidines, basic amino acids, alkaloids, monounsaturated fatty acids), while two compound families were decreased (pyrrolidinones, anthocyanins). Dipeptides were also altered (increased and decreased). BW312 displayed a better resistance to Pyrenophora teres in the earliest stage of infection with a 21.5% decrease of the lesion length 10days after infection. BW312 also exhibited a reduced lesion length (43.3%) and a reduced browning of the lesions (55.5%) when exposed to Fusarium graminearum at the seedling stage. The observed metabolomic shift strongly suggests that the BW312 semi-dwarf mutant is in a primed state, resulting in a standby state of alertness to pathogens.

Cultivar Mixtures as Part of Integrated Protection of Winter Barley from Leaf Diseases and Abiotic Stresses

Background: Currently, cultivar mixtures are being extensively used in agriculture worldwide. The current research study aimed to identify the optimal proportion of cultivars with different resistance to pathogens to reduce the severity of leaf diseases in mixed cultivars against net blotch and leaf rust of barley.Methods: Leaf rust severity was assessed using a modified Cobb scale, and net blotch severity with the E. E. Geshele scale. Disease severity was averaged from triplicate measurements on 25–30 plants. After harvest, 1000 seeds per plot were weighed. Differences were evaluated using the Fisher test (α = 0.05), and correlations via the Chaddock scale in Statistica 13.3.Results: A high degree of inverse correlation was established between the proportion of resistant cultivars and the severity by both diseases r= – 0.93/– 0.99. The optimal mixture combination of a resistant and susceptible cultivar against net blotch was recorded as 1S:4R, and leaf rust as 1S:3R and 1S:4R.Conclusion: In mixed barley crops, a strong inverse correlation was found between the proportion of resistant cultivars and disease severity (r = –0.93/–0.99). Disease severity correlated directly with humidity and temperature in spring, with an inverse correlation for net blotch in June. Using mixed cultivars enhances crop resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, making it suitable for eco-friendly farming.Keywords: Abiotic factors; Barley; Mixture of cultivars; Puccinia hordei; Pyrenophora teres

Weed management in organic dryland wheat production in the Pacific Northwest

AbstractGrowth in demand for organic small grains has increased interest in producing certified organic crops in the semiarid US Pacific Northwest. The region is well‐suited for small grain production, and there is a strong market for organic food products on the US West Coast. However, many growers encounter significant and persistent challenges with weed management, particularly management of perennial weeds such as Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), but also common winter and spring annual grass weeds including cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) and wild oat (Avena fatua L.). Coupled with the need to minimize soil disturbance, weed management can become nearly intractable and production limiting. From 2004 to 2024, several short and intermediate studies have been conducted to assess weed control tactics and crop rotation effects on weed management. Lessons learned include incorporating alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) into rotations for suppression of field bindweed, or alfalfa and winter triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) for suppression of Canada thistle. Optimization of cultural inputs, particularly seeding rate, are critical for each crop in rotation. Animal integration and new crops such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) are alternatives to conventional crops and potentially profitable. Incorporation of precision mechanical and chemical systems is feasible in narrow‐row cereals, and when combined with crop rotation, it could reduce or eliminate the need for repeated transitions back to convention production for organic growers.

Evaluation of spring barley cultivars released in Belarus under the environmental conditions of the Northern Trans-Urals

Background. Studying the genetic diversity of ex situ barley accessions under contrasting environmental conditions (humid with a lack of heat, favorable, arid, etc.) makes it possible to assess them according to the duration of the growing season, resistance to lodging, potential productivity, drought resistance, grain quality, and environmental plasticity. Materials and methods. The results of an 8-year trial (2016–2023) of 11 spring barley accessions of Belarusian origin in the northern forest-steppe zone of Tyumen Province are presented. The experiments followed the protocols adopted for the state variety trials. An SKS-6-10 seeder was used for sowing, the plot area was 5 m2 , and cv. ʻAbalakʼ served as the reference. The seeding rate was 550 viable seeds per 1 m2 . Results. A majority of the studied accessions matured later than the medium-ripening reference cultivar. Weather conditions during the growing season in the Northern Trans-Urals had a decisive effect on the harvest formation, protein content and starch content in barley grain (74.6%, 70.8% and 81.8%, respectively). The effect of the genotype on these indicators was 7.9%, 17.5% and 6.2%, respectively. Starch content also depended on the genotype × environment interaction (9.7%). Fat content was almost equally affected by the genotype (25.1%) and the environment (26.7%). The genotype × environment interaction was more significant (31.2%). Conclusion. The following sources were identified among the tested cultivars: ‘Vodar’ (high yield, drought tolerance, etc.); ‘Magutny’ (high yield, and environmental plasticity); ‘Khago’ (large grain, low hull content, and increased protein and starch content levels); ‘Lipen’ (high test weight, increased starch content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Fobos’ (drought tolerance, and increased protein content); ‘Dublet’ (lodging resistance, and increased protein content); ‘Taler’ (reduced protein content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Pospekh’ (reduced protein content).

The potential of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum C. Koch.) to improve early shoot and root traits of cultivated barley

The potential of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum C. Koch.) to improve early shoot and root traits of cultivated barley

Ameliorating arsenic and PVC microplastic stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using copper oxide nanoparticles: an environmental bioremediation approach

The present study investigates the impact of varying concentrations of PVC microplastics (PVC–MPs) – specifically 0 (no PVC–MPs), 2, and 4 mg L− 1 –alongside different arsenic (As) levels of 0 (no As), 150, and 300 mg kg− 1 in the soil, with the concurrent application of copper oxide–nanoparticles (CuO–NPs) at 0 (no CuO –NPs), 25 and 50 µg mL− 1 to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants. This research primarily aims to assess plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress indicators, as well as the response of various antioxidants (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic) and their relevant genes expression, proline metabolism, the AsA–GSH cycle, and cellular fractionation within the plants. The findings showed that increased levels of PVC–MPs and As stress in the soil significantly reduced plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange characteristics. Additionally, PVC–MPs and As stress increased oxidative stress in the roots and shoots, as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL), which in turn stimulated the production of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, gene expression, and sugar content. Furthermore, a notable increase in proline metabolism, the AsA–GSH cycle, and cellular pigmentation was observed. Conversely, the application of CuO–NPs resulted in a substantial improvement in plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, and the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, along with a reduction in oxidative stress. Additionally, CuO–NPs enhanced cellular fractionation while decreasing proline metabolism and the AsA-GSH cycle in H. vulgare plants. These outcomes provide new insights into sustainable agricultural practices and offer significant potential in addressing the critical challenges of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils.

Is malting an absolute must? Native triticale as a stand-in for barley malt in the brewing process.

To remain competitive, brewers must innovate by incorporating novel elements beyond traditional styles. Thus, exploring triticale as a modern substitute for barley malt is promising, especially given its higher amylolytic activity compared to barley. This study aimed to assess the impact of substituting up to 50% of barley malt with unmalted triticale on green beer quality, encompassing multiple stages from wort production to primary fermentation at a laboratory scale. Triticale-based worts (ratios 10-50%) had lower extract content than 100% barley malt. However, incorporating 10% of triticale led to only a 1% decrease in extract content compared to the all-malt wort. Shearzyme® 500L, an endo-1,4-β-xylanase with β-glucanase side activity, effectively addressed wort viscosity by breaking down arabinoxylans and β-glucans in triticale cell walls. All triticale-based beers exhibited lower ethanol content compared to reference beer, as is typical when using adjuncts. In green beer, a 50% triticale ratio lowered ethanol content by 16% (without enzyme) and 19% (with enzyme) compared to 100% malt beer. However, green beer with 10% triticale had satisfactory levels of total polyphenol and vicinal diketone content, among other parameters. Commercial enzyme application significantly enhanced proteolytic activity within the grain. Fermentations of enzyme-treated worts showed higher amino acid levels, further confirming the increased proteolytic activity facilitated by the chosen enzyme. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the brewing process using native triticale. Building on this foundation, future studies will focus on optimizing mashing conditions to enhance the fermentation profile of the wort. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Impact of Winter Cover Crops on Soil Nematode Communities and Food Web Stability in Corn and Soybean Cultivation.

There is increasing adoption of winter cover crops (WCCs) in corn and soybean production in Canada, primarily to reduce erosion and increase soil organic matter content. WCCs have the potential to influence nematode communities by increasing free-living nematodes and decreasing plant-parasitic nematodes or vice versa. However, the mechanism by which WCCs change nematode community assemblages still remains a key question in soil food web ecology. We tested the hypothesis that the long-term use of rye (Secale cereale), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and oat (Avena sativa) as monocultures or mixtures promotes nematode communities and improves overall soil health conditions compared to winter fallow. The results from this study revealed that the use of WCCs generally promoted a higher abundance and diversity of nematode communities, whereas plant parasitic nematodes were the most abundant in winter fallow. Moreover, the mixtures of WCCs had more similar nematode communities compared to rye alone and winter fallow. The structure and enrichment indices were higher with WCCs, indicating higher nutrient cycling and soil suppressiveness, which are signs of healthy soil conditions. Furthermore, WCCs significantly reduced the populations of root lesion nematode Pratylenchus, although their numbers recovered and increased during the main crop stages. Additionally, mixtures of WCCs promoted the highest abundance of the stunt nematode Tylenchorhynchus, whereas winter fallow had a higher abundance of the spiral nematode Helicotylenchus during the fallow period and the main crop stages. The results show that the long-term use of cover crops can have a positive impact on nematode communities and the soil food web, but these changes depend on the type of WCCs and how they are used.

Reduced nitrogen rate sustains malt barley yield and quality in malt barley‐pea rotation

AbstractRotational benefit of pea (Pisum sativum L.) may reduce N fertilization rate and sustain malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation. This study examined the effect of cover crop [oat (Avena sativa L.) cover crop vs. none] and N fertilization rate (0, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 kg N ha−1) on malt barley growth, yield, and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation from 2012 to 2019 in the northern Great Plains. Cover crop biomass yield and N accumulation were greater in 2016 than other years. Compared to fallow, malt barley plant density with cover crop was 9%–13% lower from 2013 to 2015, but 10% greater in 2017. Malt barley straw yield was 38% greater in 2017 and grain yield 15%–39% greater in 2017 and 2018, but grain plumpness was 5%–10% lower in 2014 and 2017 with than without cover crop. Increasing N fertilization rate linearly increased grain yield and N uptake, but reduced grain test weight and plumpness in most years. Straw N concentration and uptake and grain protein concentration varied by year. Because of the similar grain yield, protein concentration, plumpness, and test weight between 60 and 80 kg N ha−1, 60 kg N ha−1 can be recommended to sustain malt barley yield and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation, regardless of cover crops. This helps to reduce N fertilization rate by 20 kg N ha−1 for malt barley in dryland cropping systems of the US northern Great Plains.

Intensity of Adoption of Improved Malt Barley Production Technologies in Ethiopia: A Case Study in Oromia Region

Improved malt barley production technology packages are not yet widely adopted in Ethiopia. Stakeholders, including brewers, malt factories, research institutes, and farmer-based organizations, have been collaborating and promoting new malt barley production technologies in order to boost the intensity of acceptance. The aim of this study was to find out the intensity of improved malt barley production technologies adoption in Arsi zones, Oromia region, Ethiopia. A stratified random sampling approach with multiple stages was employed to collect primary data from 384 malt barley household heads. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the intensity of adoption of improved malt barley production technologies was determined using an econometric Tobit regression model. The findings specified that the most adopted improved malt barley variety was Traveler (47.92%), which was followed in descending order by Iboni (14.58%), Sabini (9.38%), Grace (5.47%), Holker (4.43%), and 18.23% unnamed varieties. The Tobit model result also depicted that the intensity to which improved malt barley varieties adopted were affected by, taking into account factors including contract farming involvement, cooperative membership, off-farm income, size of livestock holdings, access to training, and mobile ownership. Enhancing farmers’ knowledge of the advantages of contract farming, income diversification, and mobile phone-based information delivery are among the many ways to support access to and accelerate the adoption of improved malt barley technology in the research area and beyond.

Quality of beer with added pseudocereals

The effect on added pseudocereals (quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat) on characteristics of beer was studied on beer samples prepared from barley malt, pseudocereals, water, hops, and brewer's yeast. Pseudocereals were used as a partial malt substitute (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%). The colour of laboratory prepared beers was measured using a Konica Minolta CM 3500d. Basic parameters of beers (alcohol content, real extract and original extract of the wort) were measured using a FermentoFlash. The amount of fructose, glucose, maltose and maltotriose in the wort and in the beers was determined using an Agilent Technologies HPLC. A sensory evaluation was also performed. The results of the different variants did not vary in terms of alcohol content. Beer lightness did not differ much between the pseudocereals variants. However, control beer was darker than beers with added pseudocereals. Generally, the beers with pseudocereals did not differ much from the control beer without pseudocereals.

Impact of Different Tillage and Residue Retention Practices on Soil Nutrients, Microbial Community Composition and Grain Yield of Malt Barley

Impact of Different Tillage and Residue Retention Practices on Soil Nutrients, Microbial Community Composition and Grain Yield of Malt Barley

The effect of nitrogen fertilisation, biostimulant application and extra-root phosphorus fertilization on yield and quality of malting barley grain

A series of small-plot field trials were conducted between 2019 and 2021 with the spring barley variety Francin. The impact of Vital Root and YaraVita KOMBIPHOS on the grain quality of malting barley at varying nitrogen fertilization rates (50 kg·ha-1 N, 70 kg·ha-1 N, 90 kg·ha-1 N, and 110 kg·ha-1 N) was investigated. The following parameters were evaluated: grain size, thousand grain weight, specific weight, starch content, and protein content. The portion of grain <2.5 mm, weight of thousand grains, and specific weight decreased with increasing nitrogen fertilization. Additionally, a decrease in starch content was observed with an increase in protein content in the grain. The application of Vital Root and YaraVita KOMBIPHOS at lower nitrogen fertilization rates up to 70 kg·ha-1 N had a positive effect on grain quality.