THE EFFECT OF IMMATURITY AND HARVESTING METHOD ON THE PROPERTIES AND QUALITY OF BARLEY

Abstract

Three barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars, Betzes, Harrington and Scout, a hulless cultivar, were harvested at kernel moisture contents (KMC) ranging from 55 to 12% at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1983 and 1984. The traditional swathing/air drying/threshing method, and the straight combining/artificial drying method were investigated. Generally all cultivars showed little or no improvement in the yield, 1000-kernel weight, test weight, proximate analysis and malting properties as the KMC decreased from 40% to about 15%. Harvesting above a KMC of 40% caused yield losses ranging from about 21 to 35% and deterioration of most other properties. In 1983, straight (direct) combining generally resulted in yields averaging 10–15% higher than the traditional swathing method, but in 1984 the effect of the harvesting methods was reversed. The swathing method usually produced superior malting quality but when harvested above a KMC of 40%, such barley would only be suitable for feed.Key words: Barley, kernel moisture content, harvesting method, yield, quality, immaturity