Visible Indicators of Phsiological Maturity Barley
1985
Copeland, Philip J. | Crookston, R Kent
Visible indicators of maturity have recently been identified for several agronomic crops. Both researchers and farmers have been able to make use of these indicators. We conducted field experiments to identify visible indicators of physiological maturity (PM) in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Two cultivars in 1981 and six cultivars in 1982 were selected to represent a diversity of morphological types and genetic backgrounds. Physiological maturity was defined as the attainment of maximum kernel dry weight and was identified by determining the apex of a cubic polynominal curve fitted to kernel dry weight data. Visible changes in the barley plant were evaluated for consistency and closeness to date of PM and to date of 95% maximum kernel dry weight (MKW). Loss of green color from the glumes and from the peduncle coincided most closely with PM. Loss of green color from the peduncle was more readily observable in the field. First appearance of the pigment strand in the kernel crease, thought to be analogous to black layer development in corn (Zea mays L.), occurred between −1 and 4.5 days after PM. Loss of green color from the flag leaf blade occurred close to the date of 95% MKW. Average percent kernel moisture at time of 9% MKW ranged from 45 to 50% at PM from 18 to 39%.
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