YIELD OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF WINTER BARLEY IN THE SOUTHERN STEPPE

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the study is to test modern and new varieties of winter barley in the arid conditions of the southern Steppe of Ukraine, which is of great importance because it solves the problem of increasing gross grain production. Methods. The research was conducted in 2019–2021 at the demonstration plots of the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture (now the Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture) of NAAS with winter barley varieties of domestic selection, including 9 of the National Center for Seed Science and Variety Research of NAAS and 8 of the Mironiv Wheat Institute of NAAS, according to the methodology of field and laboratory research of the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture of NAAS. Research results. It was found that even when winter barley was grown on black fallow, the yield of all varieties varied significantly over the years, which was due to their response to the weather conditions of a particular year. The most resistant to unfavorable weather conditions and less responsive to stress factors and forming a stable grain yield over the years were the varieties Dev’iatyj val, Prezent ta Skarb Pal’miry. On average, over the three years of research, these varieties provided the highest grain yields – 6.47, 6.37 and 6.34 t/ha, respectively. The lowest yields under unfavorable weather conditions were recorded in the Lider ta Hordist’ Pal’miry varieties, which amounted to 5.40 and 5.45 t/ha. The high productivity of the Dev’iatyj val variety is largely due to its resistance to fungal diseases. Conclusions. In Ukraine, more than 50% of the yield potential of winter barley is an untapped reserve of modern varieties. In addition, the resistance of varieties to phytopathogens is the most affordable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly measure. Thus, by fully realizing the potential of new varieties, we can significantly increase crop yields.