Irrigation as a method of preventing detrimental late tillering of barley

Abstract

The present study was carried out in summer 1970, when a rainy July following upon a dry June caused abundant detrimental late tillering among spring cereals in large parts of South Finland, and in part also in Central and North Finland. In four irrigation experiments, established in the clay area of South Finland, the irrigation performed in the middle of June (2 x 30 mm) increased the yield of two rowed barley by 1750 kg/ha on an average or by 71 % (variation range 49—104 %). In addition irrigation improved the quality of barley significantly by preventing detrimental late tillering. The irrigated evenly ripened barley was at harvesting time on an average 12.3 per cent units drier, with a hectolitre weight that was 3,6 kg higher when compared to the non-irrigated green grained barley. Analyses of the sheaves collected from the fields indicated that irrigated barley when compared to non-irrigated barley contained: a) equally many individuals per square meter, b) 14% less ears per individual, c) 83 % more grains per ear, d) 9 % heavier grains; in fact the total result was a 70 % higher grain yield. Causes of late tillering and the significance of irrigation in preventing this detrimental phenomenon are discussed. It is further established that in years when no late tillering occurs, irrigation affects the grain yield components in ways that differ from those established in the present study.

The effect of soil fertility on the contribution of main stem, tillers and kernel position to grain yield and grain protein content of wheat

“…In South Africa, it is estimated that about 0.5 million tonnes of wheat received at the silos every year are affected by late-maturing tillers (Wheat Board, 199011994), but the effect of late-maturing ears on grain yield and protein content, and hence quality has not been quantified. The phenomenon of late tillering in small grain cereals has been reported by others (Aspinall, 1961;Kivisaari & Elonen, 1974).…”

Drought Sensitivity at Various Growth Stages of Barley in Relation to Relative Evapotranspiration and Water Stress1

“…Late tillers may even fail to ripen (Kivisaari and Elonen, 1974). Therefore, in the present investigation,…”

Uniculm and conventional tillering barley accessions under northern growing conditions

“…The spring drought typical of northern regions inhibits early tillering, but the following mid-season rainfall promotes late tillering after anthesis (Peltonen-Sainio & Peltonen 1997 a ). When the drought is prolonged, tiller maturing is from several days up to weeks later than that of the main stem, leading to difficulties in grain harvesting, drying, storage and utilization (Kivisaari & Elonen 1974).…”