THE EFFECT OF LEAF RUST OF BARLEY ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF BARLEY VARIETIES

Abstract
An experiment was carried out to test the effect of leaf rust of barley (Puccinia anomala Rostr.) on the yield, grade, and malting quality of the six barley varieties, O.A.C. 21, Mensury, Chevron, Peatland, Regal, and Plush. Leaf rust reduced the grade of O.A.C. 21 and Mensury by one commercial grade, and caused statistically significant reductions in the yield, bushel weight, and kernel weight of all the varieties tested except Mensury. It adversely affected the value of all the varieties for malting purposes by reducing the percentage of heavy-grade kernels. The nitrogen content and the wort nitrogen content were reduced by leaf rust, but the malt extract and diastatic powers were not greatly affected. Differentia¡ responses of the varieties to rust infection were observed in yield, kernel weight, bushel weight, and malt properties.
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