International
SU hybrid barley. Economically and ecologically pioneering
Barley is one of the major cereal crops grown worldwide, and currently the 4th most produced in Europe. Its use can be animal feed as well as a source of fermentable material for beer and certain distilled beverages. In the mid-20th century first attempts of breeding hybrid barley were carried out by using CMS (= Cytoplasmatic Male Sterility), to follow the success of hybrid corn. Over the years, innovative breeding approaches have led to a new hybrid crop. SAATEN-UNION is currently one of the very few suppliers of hybrid barley varieties in the world. Originally initiated by two German breeders Nordsaat and Ackermann from SAATEN-UNION Group, the varieties are provided by the program runby Asur Plant Breeding.
The 6-row hybrids have several advantages compared to conventional barley varieties. Indeed, the heterosis effect is the key factor ensuring strong and highly efficient plants. The hybrids’ higher vigour enhances tillering as well as root development. Both together result in a higher yield stability, more vigorous and healthy plants, and a better nutrient efficiency. Due to the higher number of tillers the seed rate of hybrids can be clearly reduced compared to conventional varieties. The more efficient plants can easily compensate for the reduced seed rate.
Those physical advantages of hybrid barley give the benefits of high performances in extreme conditions, for example, late drilling and in less favourable cultivation circumstances but also on high-yielding sites. Improved nutrient efficiency combined with an adjusted cultivation system increases the farmer’s output.
Year by year farmers are facing several challenges: Environmental changes, restrictions regarding pesticide as well as nitrogen applications. Agriculture is continuously changing. Hybrid barley could be a solution to reduce costs and to ensure incomes.