Evaluation of Spring Barley Cultivar Performance Under Continuous-Crop and Crop-Crop-Fallow Systems in Central Montana (2012)

Abstract

This report evaluates the performance of spring barley cultivars in central Montana. The 2012 growing season was warmer and dryer than the long term average. These conditions commenced in mid-late June 2011. Warm spring growing conditions were interrupted with of freezing temperatures. At CARC, it froze five consecutive nights May 24-29, with a low of 24 F. The barley leaves showed loss of vigor as a result of the frost. There was hail at CARC on June 5 which removed 20-30% of the leaf tissue. The 2012 Geraldine trial was the first in the past decade. 2012 provided good conditions for assessing the relative performance of barley lines under moisture and heat stress. Growing conditions were less than optimum throughout the crop year. These conditions contributed to good root development and excellent grain test weights.