2007 Barley Variety Performance at Denton and Moccasin

Abstract

The 2007 central Montana growing season started with plentiful moisture. Above average precipitation was received in late April and early May. However, below average precipitation and above average air temperatures received in late May through August quickly changed the yield potential of spring crops. The yield potential of later barley seedings were greatly reduced compared to the late March and early April seedings. The higher yield potential of earlier seeding dates has to be weighed against the increase potential of having winter annual weeds, particularly downy brome and Japanese brome, escape control by either tillage or glyphosate. Winter annual weed escapes in spring crops erodes part of the purpose of raising spring crops instead of winter wheat in central Montana. In some cases, late seeded barley can produce nice plump kernels with good test weights because of it lower yield potential.