Australia: ‘Yarra’ feed barley variety just released

ABB Grain announced on July 14 that ‘Yarra’ is the latest feed barley variety to be released to growers and will be available for 2006 planting through ABB Grain Ltd.

Developed by Victorian barley breeder, David Moody, Yarra is a joint project between the Malting Barley Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP) and the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria.

ABB will be responsible for the commercialisation of this new variety which, with its unique combination of leaf rust resistance and resistance to CCN is well suited to the Yorke and Lower Eyre Peninsula regions of SA.

Yarra is a moderately late maturing, high yielding, semi-dwarf feed variety with resistance to leaf rust and cereal cyst nematode. Best adapted to areas with 375mm-450mm annual rainfall, Yarra produces grain of excellent plumpness and head retention.

It is resistant to leaf rust but susceptible to leaf scald and powdery mildew, and moderately susceptible to spot and net forms of net blotch. Trials have indicated Yarra’s ability to maintain grain quality and yield in the presence of leaf rust without a fungicide application.

Since trials began in 1998, the average yield advantage of Yarra across all years and trial sites over the popular Schooner variety is 11%, with its yield advantage remaining relatively consistent over this time.

During 2003, average yields of Yarra on Yorke Peninsula and Lower Eyre Pensinsula were almost 10% higher than Barque, which was the next highest yielding variety of a test sample of 12 different barley types.

Yarra will be protected under Plant Breeders Rights (PBR), meaning ‘over the fence’ trading of seed will not be permitted, and an End Point Royalty (EPR) of $1.50/t (GST exclusive) will apply to grain produced. Of this $1.50/t, $1.20/t will be directed back to the owners and $0.30/t represents a commercialisation fee for ABB as the licensee of the variety.

Queries about Yarra can be directed to ABB’s seed manager, Peter Breguet, through the Grain Marketing Help Line (1800 018 205). Growers can place orders now for 2006 planting also through Peter, or by contacting an Australian Field Crops Association representative or their local seed retailer.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .