Some effects of ethrel on factors affecting yield in Zephyr barley

Abstract

Zephyr barley was originally introduced privately to New Zealand as a feed barley. It was included in both malting and feed grain trials by the Field Research Section of the Department of Agriculture for the first time during 1966/67 season. Results of this and subsequent trials were reviewed recently by Cottier et al. (1971) who reported that over the 5-year period 1967-1971 Zephyr out yielded Carlsberg in both the North and South Islands and in each year. This means that Zephyr could displace Carlsberg from the position of a standard variety for high yield with a possible exception that Argentine II may out yield it in the northern half of North Island. In the same period grown in malting barley districts Zephyr also out yielded Research. Cottier et al. (1971) concluded that if Zephyr is acceptable for malting it could also replace Research.

Apart from yield other good agronomic features are also associated with Zephyr. In a number of trials Zephyr was also more resistant to lodging than other cultivars, and in the South Island where crops are subjected to high winds near harvest Zephyr showed less straw-break damage than most other varieties. This could be associated with its short straw. In some Marlborough trials Zephyr appeared to be more resistant to mildew than Carlsberg but was more prone to leaf blight than both Carlsberg and Argentine II in one Waikato trial (Cottier et al., 1971). Because of such good agronomic characters Zephyr is now rapidly gaining popularity among barley growers. When first recorded after the 1967/68 season Zephyr accounted for only 570 hectares or 1.2% of the total area of barley grown in New Zealand (New Zealand Year Book, 1969). However, a substantial increase in the area of Zephyr to 18.1% was reported during the following season (New Zealand Year Book, 1970) and future statistics when they become available will no doubt show still higher figures in the last two seasons.