Effect of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, plant growth regulator and artificial lodging on grain yield and grain quality of a landrace of barley

Landraces of different crops are still preferred due to their stable yields under low inputs and adverse climatic conditions to which most modern varieties are not adapted. In the UK, a landrace of barley called Bere is currently grown in extreme climatic conditions of Orkney to which most of the modern varieties are not adapted. Although this landrace is probably the oldest barley under cultivation in the UK, very little research has been conducted. In this paper the effects of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, plant growth regulator and artificial lodging on grain yield and quality of Bere were investigated in the Orkney’s short growing season. Higher nitrogen application resulted in a higher lodging incidence but grain yield was not reduced by the severity of lodging. The artificial lodging applied at Zadoks growth stage 77 resulted in the greatest yield losses which indicated that control measures may be required to avoid lodging at this critical growth stage. Phosphorous and potassium had no significant effect on lodging resistance. Whilst plant growth regulator improved lodging resistance it was less effective in controlling lodging at the highest nitrogen level (90 kg ha-1). The trials indicated that higher level of N caused marginal increase in grain yield when nitrogen level was raised from 45 kg to 90 kg ha-1. This tended to suggest the use of medium N-level (45 kg N ha-1) for producing Bere. Plant growth regulator increased lodging resistance but had an inconsistent effect on grain yield. This study recommended the use of plant growth regulator as a means of easing harvesting rather than for enhancing yield and quality. The study concluded that phosphorous and potassium could be used to improve disease resistance and grain yield but not for lodging control.