Searching Northwards for Spring Barley Varieties adapted to Northeast Scotland

Improvements in crop genetic yield potential combined with advancements in agronomy have greatly improved food security and resilience over recent decades. Improved crop varieties can greatly increase yields, nutrient use efficiency and disease resistance which together reduce the need for excessive inputs (fertiliser and pesticide).

The economic and environmental cost of imported cereals is higher on the Northern Isles due to the extra traveling time (including shipping). Therefore, it is important that Orkney is self-sufficient in barley grain and straw. Genetic improvement of barley varieties plays a key role in achieving this goal.

There is a high demand for feed spring barley variety trials in Orkney as our hyper-oceanic environment and latitude make extrapolation of results from trials conducted further south difficult.

In contrast to the selection criteria used by UK breeders, who are largely based in the east of England, earliness and standing ability are key traits for Orkney and our high density of beef cattle means both the straw and grain are highly valued.

By providing locally relevant evidence and advice, farmers in Orkney and Northeast mainland will be more likely to adopt economically and environmentally sustainable practices which can be as simple as switching to more efficient barley varieties.

We shall evaluate spring barley varieties, sourced from seed merchants and breeders from across Northwestern Europe, that may be better adapted to our environmental conditions than those currently available. These varieties will be evaluated in field trials in which they will be grown alongside current popular varieties and bere barleys which have been grown in Orkney for thousands of years. Two fertiliser input treatments will be tested in both fungicide treated and untreated plots to assess response to fertiliser (Nitrogen) and fungicides.

Mains of Loirston Charitable Trust