Stellar-ND

Barley

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: 'Tradition' and 'Lacey'

Summary: 'Stellar-ND' is a six-row, malting barley variety which has a significantly earlier heading date than 'Tradition' and 'Lacey'. The plants of 'Stellar-ND' are shorter than the plants of 'Tradition'. The first segment of the rachis is weakly curved in 'Stellar-ND', whereas it is moderately curved in 'Lacey' and strongly curved in 'Tradition'. 'Stellar-ND' has long rachilla hairs, compared with 'Lacey' which has short rachilla hairs. Spiculation of the inner lateral nerves of the dorsal side of the lemma is strong in 'Stellar-ND' and weak to medium in 'Lacey'.

Description:

JUVENILE PLANT: erect growth habit
PLANT AT TILLERING: no pubescence on sheath of lower leaves, erect growth habit

FLAG LEAF: weak pubescence on blade, no pubescence on sheath, very weak anthocyanin on auricles

SPIKE: very early emergence, platform collar, erect to semi-erect attitude, weak to moderate glaucosity, parallel shape, medium density, first segment of rachis has weak curvature
MEDIAN SPIKELET: glume and awn longer than grain
LEMMA AWNS: no anthocyanin at tips, longer than spike

KERNEL: whitish aleurone layer, husk present, long rachilla hairs, strong spiculation of inner lateral nerves of dorsal side of lemma, no hairs in ventral furrow, horseshoe basal markings, medium length, medium width

AGRONOMIC TRAITS: fair to good lodging resistance, fair to good tolerance to straw breaking, fair tolerance to drought, good malting quality

DISEASE: resistant to spot blotch (Cochliobolus sativus), moderately susceptible to fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum) and net blotch (Pyrenophora teres)

Origin & Breeding History: 'Stellar-ND' originated from a cross made at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in the spring of 1994. The pedigree was Foster//ND12200/6B88-3213. The line ND12200 had originated from the cross Bumper//Hazen/Azure. The line 6B88-3213 orginated from NDSU bulk selection/M30//Robust/3/B1602. Selection of F2 plants was based on maturity, plant height, awn type and spike fertility. Selection of individual F3 families occurred in the summer of 1995, based on plant height, straw strength, kernel colour, awn type, spike length, spike erectness and spike density. Starting at the F5 generation, selection criteria also included agronomic data (heading date, grain yield) as well as disease data and malting quality. Based on data from multiple locations and years, 'Stellar-ND' was selected for its high yield, strong straw and favorable malt quality.

Tests & Trials: Tests and trials for 'Stellar-ND' were conducted in Neapolis, Alberta during 2006. The trials consisted of 3 replicates of each variety, with each replicate consisting of 3 adjacent plots. The replicates were planted in a RCB design. Measured characteristics were based on a minimum of 15 measurements per variety. Results were supported by the official technical examination report purchased from the Plant Variety Protection Office in the U.S.A.

Comparison tables for 'Stellar-ND' with reference varieties 'Tradition' and 'Lacey'

Plant height (stem plus spike including awns) (cm)

Spike length, excluding awns (cm)

Click on image for larger view

Barley: 'Stellar-ND' (left) with reference varieties 'Tradition' (centre) and 'Lacey' (right)