Intraspecific mixtures may be a means of enhancing the genetic variability of modern crops while retaining the advantages of yield, quality, and stress tolerance of modern cultivars. Two- and three-way barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mixtures of the cultivars Abee, Noble, Tukwa and Virden, were studied at Botha, Lacombe and Olds, Alberta, from 1992 to 1994. Treatments consisted of the four cultivars as monocrops and in 6 two-way and 3 three-way mixtures grown at a seeding rate of 250 seeds m−2. Tukwa as a monocrop had the highest rank and best stability for grain yield of all the treatments. Grain yields of the mixtures usually fell between the yields of the respective monocrops and were often better than the weighted mean yield of the monocrops indicating that many mixtures were more effective at using resources than the monocrops. Of the mixtures, Tukwa:Noble, Tukwa:Abee:Virden and Noble:Virden had the best rankings and stability for grain yield. Test weights, kernel weights, percent thins, lodging, disease incidence and protein content of the mixtures were intermediate to those of the monocrops. Mixtures containing the two-rowed cultivar Abee had higher test weight and protein content than mixtures composed of only six-rowed cultivars. Lodging and disease ratings were lower for the mixtures composed of only six-rowed cultivars than those with Abee. In these intraspecific barley mixtures, Virden was often the most competitive cultivar while Tukwa was the least. Competitive ability was not associated with yield potential, tillering, or row-type. Key words: Hordeum vulgare L., mixtures, yield, quality, stress tolerance

The objectives of this study were to determine changes in yield of total grain, stem and leaf DM, leaf:stem ratio and chemical composition during the growth period (boot to soft-dough stage) and during ensiling of whole-crop barley (Hordeum vulgare L. 'Noble'), oats (Avena sativa L. 'Cascade'), triticale (X Triticosecale Rimpani Witt. 'Wapiti'), and a 1:1 barley (Noble):winter triticale (cv. Pika) mixture. Data for whole-crop cereals were compared with a second cut alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. 'Algonquin'). Crude protein and nitrate concentrations of all crops decreased with advancing maturity. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose concentrations of all crops initially increased and then decreased with advancing maturity whereas acid detergent lignin (ADL) concentrations increased with advancing maturity. During the growth phase, oats and triticale had higher NDF and ADF concentrations, but by harvesting these differences had disappeared. Leaf as percentage of total DM and leaf:stem ratios were higher and the stem as percentage of total DM was lower for the barley:winter triticale mixture compared with the cereal monocrops. Cereal forages were ranked in order of decreasing quality as barley, barley:winter triticale, triticale, and oats. Key words: Alfalfa, barley, oats, triticale, silage, quality

Little information is available on the response of plump-kernelled spring triticales (X Triticosecale Wittmack) to windrowing at different kernel water concentrations (KWC). The objective of this research was to determine the effects of windrowing at KWCs of 1600 g kg−1 or less on the yield and grain quality of spring triticales compared with a Canadian prairie spring (CPS) wheat (Triticum aestivum L. 'Oslo'). Field experiments were conducted from 1989 to 1993 at Lacombe, AB, using the spring triticale cv. Wapiti in all years, and the cvs. Banjo and Frank in 1992 and 1993. Rate of dry-down varied between the cultivars and years. Oslo dried at a rate of 1.67 to 3.23 g kg−1 per growing degree day (GDD 0 °C basis). The rate of dry-down for the triticales ranged from 2.80 to 10.80 g kg−1 per GDD. Although the triticales reached physiological maturity much later than Oslo in any given year, they dried at a faster rate (with fewer GDDs) than Oslo. Windrowing at KWC of up to 1600 g kg−1 (62% moisture) had no effect on test weight, grain protein or germination of harvested grain. Effects of windrowing on grain yield varied but, when yield differences were significant, windrowing at 430 to 530 g kg−1 (30 to 35% moisture) optimized grain yield. When effects of windrowing on kernel weight were significant, kernel weight increased as KWC at windrowing decreased. When windrowing to curtail secondary growth of spring triticale is necessary in central Alberta, windrowing at 430 to 530 g kg−1 (30 to 35% moisture) is recommended to optimize yield without loss of test weight, protein content or germination. Key words: Spring triticale, Canadian prairie spring wheat, windrowing, kernel water concentration

Crop ScienceVolume 37, Issue 4 cropsci1997.0011183X003700040082x p. 1392-1393 Registration of Cultivars Registration of ‘Pronghorn’ Triticale Donald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Corresponding Author Manuel J. Cortez cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca).Search for more papers by this authorJames H. Helm, James H. Helm Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorTimothy R. Duggan, Timothy R. Duggan Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author Donald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Corresponding Author Manuel J. Cortez cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca).Search for more papers by this authorJames H. Helm, James H. Helm Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorTimothy R. Duggan, Timothy R. Duggan Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 - 50 St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 July 1997 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1997.0011183X003700040082xCitations: 11AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume37, Issue4July–August 1997Pages 1392-1393 RelatedInformation

Crop ScienceVolume 36, Issue 5 cropsci1996.0011183X003600050058x p. 1409-1409 Registration of Cultivars Registration of ‘Kasota’ Barley James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm [email protected] Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorRobert I. Wolfe, Robert I. Wolfe Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm [email protected] Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorRobert I. Wolfe, Robert I. Wolfe Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Ctr., 5030 50th St., Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 September 1996 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1996.0011183X003600050058xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume36, Issue5September–October 1996Pages 1409-1409 RelatedInformation

Work on incorporating reduced-awn expression into triticale was initiated at the Field Crop Development Centre in 1983 using spring triticale lines with low falling number and the sprouting resistant spring wheat germplasm line RL4137. In both the spring and winter triticale, selections from crosses with improved triticale parents produced since 1988 appear to have potential in the production of future cultivars and as parental lines. To date evaluation of advanced lines has been relatively limited to either biomass yield or tolerance to sprouting conditions. However, few of the advanced lines appear to demonstrate improved levels of sprouting resistance expressed in the form of falling number or actual dormancy testing. Future work will concentrate on a detailed evaluation of selections with the reduced-awn characteristic for sprouting resistance as well as biomass yield and quality.

Kasota is an early-maturing, hulled, six-row spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). It was developed at the Field Crop Development Centre, Lacombe, Alberta from the cross Celaya//Mezquite/Godiva/3/Trompillo. Kasota is short in height, strong strawed, and widely adapted in Alberta. Key words:Hordeum vulgare, barley, early maturity, semi-dwarf, straw strength, cultivar description

Crop ScienceVolume 36, Issue 3 cropsci1996.0011183X003600030054x p. 807-808 Registration of Cultivars Registration of ‘Phoenix’ Barley James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 May 1996 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1996.0011183X003600030054xCitations: 5AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume36, Issue3May–June 1996Pages 807-808 RelatedInformation

Crop ScienceVolume 36, Issue 3 cropsci1996.0011183X003600030055x p. 808-809 Registration of Cultivars Registration of ‘Seebe’ Barley James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm [email protected] Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm [email protected] Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030-50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 May 1996 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1996.0011183X003600030055xCitations: 9AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume36, Issue3May–June 1996Pages 808-809 RelatedInformation

Crop ScienceVolume 36, Issue 3 cropsci1996.0011183X003600030053x p. 807-807 Registration of Cultivars Registration of ‘Falcon’ Barley James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author James H. Helm, Corresponding Author James H. Helm cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaCorresponding author (Email: cortez@agric.gov.ab.ca).Search for more papers by this authorManuel J. Cortez, Manuel J. Cortez Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorDonald F. Salmon, Donald F. Salmon Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorPatricia E. Jedel, Patricia E. Jedel Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorWilliam M. Stewart, William M. Stewart Alberta Agriculture, Field Crop Development Centre, 5030 - 50 St, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1W8 CanadaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 May 1996 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1996.0011183X003600030053xCitations: 5AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume36, Issue3May–June 1996Pages 807-807 RelatedInformation

Little information is available on the response of two-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars to seeding rate in central Alberta. The objective of this research was to compare the effects of seeding rates of 129–344 seeds m−2 (50–140 kg ha−1) on the agronomic response of two- and six-rowed barley grown in central Alberta. Grain yields of 5.8–6.1 t ha−1 were not affected by seeding rates in 1990 and 1991 at Lacombe. As seeding rates increased in 1992, grain yields at Lacombe increased from 6.4 to 7.8 t ha−1; at Olds, from 3.5 to 4.0 t ha−1; and at Botha for the 129 seeds m−2 treatment, yields were only 5.5 t ha−1, compared with 5.8 to 6.0 t ha−1 for the other treatments. Effects of seeding rate on test and kernel weights varied between location–years. Tiller numbers m−2 were found to increase at higher seeding rates for the two-rowed cultivars, Abee and Harrington, while for the six-rowed cultivars, Noble and Virden, these numbers remained constant. Node numbers spike−1 decreased with higher seeding rates for both two- and six-rowed cultivars. There was little effect of seeding rate on kernel number spike−1 for the two-rowed cultivars, while for the six-rowed cultivars this number decreased. Although the two- and six-rowed cultivars differed in their partitioning of yield and the effects of seeding rates on these components, their yield responses to seeding rate did not differ. Recommended seeding rates for barley in central Alberta should be above 129 seeds m−2 (50 kg ha−1). To maintain high kernel and test weights, seeding rates for barley grown in central Alberta for malt quality should range from 172 to 258 seeds m−2. When conditions warrant accelerated development, seeding rates of 300 or more seeds m−2 should be used. Key words:Hordeum vulgare, management, yield components

Winter survival is often the most limiting factor for the use of winter cereals for grain production in the Black soil zones of the Canadian prairies. Production practices that optimize winter survival are an important part of extending the winter cereal acreage in this area. In this study, three dates of fall seeding (late August, early September, and late September) at two rates of seeding (258 and 328 seeds m−2) were investigated in 1988–1989, 1989–1990, and 1991–1992, at Lacombe, AB, using Musketeer fall rye (Secale cereale L.), Norstar and Norwin winter wheats (Triticum aestivum L. EM Thell), and Decade and Wintri winter triticales (× Triticosecale Rimpani Wit.). Survival was found to be best in all years when planting was conducted in late August and early September (78–99% survival). In both 1989 and 1990 the early planting resulted in the lowest yields (3.09 and 3.91 t ha−1), while in 1992 the latest planting resulted in the lowest yields (0.92 t ha−1). The early seeding resulted in earlier maturity in 1989 and 1992 (1–13 d). Test weight and kernel weight decreased with later planting (10–116 kg m−3 and 1–3.4 mg, respectively). Kernel protein was generally not affected by the treatments but was higher in some later planted material (0.2–1.0 g 100 g−1). Seeding rates were without effect on most traits, except grain yield in 1992 and kernel weight in 1990 and 1992 when rate effects varied among seeding dates. Date of seeding did not affect plant height except in 1992 when the later planted material was shorter. For all cultivars, survival was decreased with the late planting thereby increasing the risk of crop production. The window for seeding winter cereals in central Alberta is wider for the hardier cultivars and if forced to seed late, these cultivars should be selected. Key words: winter triticale, winter wheat, fall rye, yield, winter survival

Assessment of morphological and phenological traits is essential if these traits are to be used as selection criteria in breeding programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role several morphological and phenological traits play in the productivity of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars released from 1910 to 1987 in western Canada. We were interested in evaluating these traits for use in a barley ideotype for the western Canadian prairies. Twenty 6‐ and 2‐rowed feed and malt barley cultivars were tested at Botha, Lacombe, and Olds, Alberta, Canada, in 1989 and 1990. Modern cultivars had shorter intervals between tiller appearance, were shorter in stature, and had later stem elongation, anthesis and maturity than older cultivars. The interval between tiller appearance decreased by 0.02 to 0.06 d yr−1. Plant height decreased by 0.14 to 0.29 cm yr−1. Spike length increased by 0.015 to 0.018 cm yr2212;1, although significant increases were not expressed in all location‐years. Days‐to‐stem‐elongation increased by 0.06 to 0.11 d yr−1; days‐to‐anthesis, by 0.04 to 0.10 d yr−1; and days‐to‐maturity by 0.04 to 0.22 d yr−1. Two‐ and six‐rowed cultivars were morphologically distinct but were phenologically similar. Future improvements in western Canadian spring barleys may be achieved through lengthening the prestem elongation period, and increasing culm diameters. In two‐rowed cultivars, increasing leaf widths may also be advantageous. Morphological and phenological traits have changed in association with historical yield increases and may be used to help define a barley ideotype for the western Canadian prairies.

Changes in yield components and agronomic traits may contribute to historical yield advances. The purpose of this study was to determine the yield advances that have been made in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars released in western Canada from 1910 to 1987 and to evaluate the contribution of yield components and agronomic traits to yield advancement. An important goal was to determine the value of individual traits to an ideotype of barley for the western Canadian prairies. Twenty cultivars of both six‐ and two‐rowed types were tested at Botha, Lacombe and Olds, Alberta, Canada, in 1989 and 1990. Grain yields increased by 12.7 to 41.4 kg ha−1 yr−1 with the greater responses being in the more favourable environments. This increase in grain yield was associated with increased harvest indices of 0.08 to 0.17% per year. Lodging decreased by 0.01 to 0.05 points per year (0–10 scale). Seed protein content decreased by 0.01 to 0.02 g kg−1 yr−1. Test weights responded positively to year of release in the 1990 tests at Botha and Olds. Spike number per square meter and net blotch severity were associated with year of release in some location‐years but response was limited. Vegetative biomass, plant stand establishment, kernel weight, kernels per spike, and response to scald had not changed over years. Increases in grain yield associated with increased harvest indices and reduced lodging have been made in western Canadian barley cultivars. Further efforts to increase vegetative yield, kernel weight and kernel number per spike, while maintaining harvest indices and lodging resistance would appear warranted.

Vernalization responses are known to differ among spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. Three crosses were made to determine the inheritance of vernalization response in the spring wheat cultivars Cajeme 71, Yecora 70, Glenlea, Pitic 62 and Neepawa. Segregation analyses of days to anthesis were made of the F2 generation in a growth room (25/15 °C, 16/8 h). Segregation analysis of the F3 generation was made in a summer greenhouse. Reciprocal crosses between Neepawa and Pitic 62 indicated an early/late/transgressively late ratio of 12:3:1 in the F2 generation. The F3 generation results fitted an early/late/transgressively late/segregating ratio of 4:1:1:10. Based on the segregation of transgressively late types from both crosses, it was concluded that the genes for spring habit in Pitic 62 and Neepawa were different and not maternally inherited. The Glenlea/Pitic 62 cross produced one transgressively late segregant in an F2 population of 97 plants. The data fitted an early/late/transgressively late ratio of 60:3:1, indicating that Glenlea may differ from Pitic at three Vrn loci. Therefore, either Glenlea or Pitic 62 may carry two dominant Vrn alleles. The reciprocal crosses between Yecora 70 and Cajeme 71 did not segregate transgressively late types in the F2 generation. Therefore, those cultivars had a Vrn allele in common. Selection for vernalization response might be useful when introducing exotic germplasm into spring wheat breeding programs and in manipulating maturity responses. Key words: Vernalization, spring wheat, Vrn genes

Tests were conducted at Lacombe, AB, from 1989 to 1991 to determine the forage yield and quality of Wapiti triticale (× Triticosecale Rimpani Witt.) grown as a monocrop and in binary mixtures with Cascade oat (Avena sativa L.), Empress barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) or Johnston barley. The Cascade monocrop and mixtures with Wapiti had the highest DM yields (12.37–13.42 t ha−1). Yields of the barley monocrops and mixtures with Wapiti (6.60–9.10 t ha−1 in 1989 and 8.96–11.49 t ha−1 in 1990) were similar to the Wapiti monocrop (8.06 and 8.99 t ha−1). In 1991, yields for the Wapiti monocrop and 25:75 barley:Wapiti mixtures (14.54 and 14.99 t ha−1, respectively) were higher than those for the barley monocrops and 50:50 and 75:25 mixtures (11.98–12.79 t ha−1). The yields of the mixtures in 1989 and 1990 were 108 and 106% higher than expected based on the yield of the components, although in 1991 this enhancement was not observed. Moisture contents at harvest were variable and not always as expected based on the relative maturities of the species. However, mixtures with Wapiti could offer some flexibility in harvest for silage production. Protein contents were found to be highly variable and no trends were established. The Cascade monocrop and mixtures had the highest protein yields in 1990 and 1991. The acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents of the 50:50 and 25:75 Cascade:Wapiti mixtures (26.9 and 28.4 g 100 g−1) were lower than the Cascade monocrop (33.6 g 100 g−1). Lignin contents were found to vary between treatments only in 1989 when the Wapiti monocrop (3.90 g 100 g−1) was intermediate to the Empress (3.30 g 100 g−1) and Cascade (4.83 g 100 g−1). Yield stability and quality would make use of Wapiti mixtures for silage attractive choices for silage production. Key words: Silage, protein, ADF, lignin, cereal mixtures

Little information is available on the response of high test-weight triticales to seeding rate in short-season growing areas. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of seeding rates of 212–307 seeds m−2 (95–138 kg ha−1) on me agronomic response of Wapiti, the first spring triticale (× Triticosecale Rimpani Wit.) registered in western Canada having a high test weight. Field tests were conducted from 1988 to 1990 at six sites in central Alberta (Botha, Drumheller, Lacombe, Olds, Provost and Trochu). Grain yield was positively related to seeding rate, with a 0.371 ha−1 increase between the lowest and highest rates tested. Test weights and protein content of the grain were affected by seeding fate but no consistent trends were established. Effects of seeding rate on days to anthesis were small (< 0.5 d) and would not be of great concern. Days to maturity responded with a significant quadratic effect, with lateness being associated With the lowest seeding rate. Seeding rate had a negative but linear association with spikelets spike−1, florets spike−1 and kernels spike−1. Only at Lacombe was a reduction in florets spikelet−1 detected with high seeding rates, while at Provost the opposite was found. Kernel weight, plant height, kernels spikelet−1 and floret fertility were not affected by seeding rate. Kernel quality was not negatively affected by the higher seeding rates. Therefore, the recommended seeding rates of Wapiti could be raised from 180–250 seeds m−2 (80–110 kg ha−1) to 270–300 seeds m−2 (120–140 kg ha−1). Key words: × Triticosecale, seeding rates, yield, test weight

The use of pulse crops for animal feed is a production option for farmers in western Canada. In this study, the forage potential of three pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars, Magnus, Tipu, and Trapper, and one fababean (Vicia faba L.) cultivar, Outlook, grown as pure stands and in mixtures with the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar Leduc, the oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar Cascade, or the triticale (× Triticosecale Rimpani Wit.) cultivar Wapiti were assessed at Lacombe, AB from 1988 to 1991. The dry matter (DM) yields of the pea and fababean cultivars were similar at 8–9 t ha−1. Although there were year-to-year and pulse-to-pulse variations, the mixtures with oat yielded more DM (10–11 t ha−1) than the mixtures with barley or triticale or the pure stands of the pulses (8–10 t ha−1). The fababean pure stand and mixtures had high moisture contents (> 70%) at harvest. Outlook had the highest protein content; Tipu and Trapper, intermediate; and Magnus, the lowest. While the mixtures with triticale and barley had protein contents similar to the pure stands of pulses (14–15%), the mixtures with oat had lower protein contents (12%). Only in 1990 did the oat mixtures have higher protein yields ha−1 than the pure stands. The mixtures had similar acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents to the pure stands of pulses. If the choice of a pulse-cereal mixture is for high quality with maintenance of protein content, mixtures with barley or triticale should be selected over those with oats. Key words: Silage, protein, ADF, pulse-cereal mixtures

Management practices such as the use of fertilizers and fungicides can have positive effects on grain yield and quality of cereals, especially where diseases are a concern. Six cultivars of six-row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were tested at two fertility levels (standard and high) with a late-season application of the foliar fungicide Tilt (propiconazole) to determine their agronomic responses to these management practices. In 1988, when yields were limited because of early season drought, only Leduc showed a positive yield response to the Tilt, even though it has the highest level of genetic resistance to scald and net blotch of the cultivars tested. In 1989, when yields were again limited by adverse environmental conditions, no response to Tilt was found. In 1990, when growing conditions during the season were excellent, Empress, Noble and Samson had positive responses to Tilt application. Tilt had no effect on grain protein, maturity, or harvest index; it slightly improved test weights and kernel weights and decreased percent thins; and it had variable effects on height, number of viable tillers m−2, and kernel number spike−1. Yield response to Tilt was not affected by fertility regime. High fertility (112 kg ha−1 N 37 kg ha−1 P) resulted in an overall increase in yield of 0.62 t ha−1 from the standard fertility treatment (84 kg ha−1 N 27 kg ha−1 P); decreased harvest index; delayed maturity in 1989 only; increased height, number of viable tillers m−2, and kernel number spike−1; increased protein content of the grain in 1988 only; and had no effect on test weight, kernel weight and percent thins. Because of the variability of response from year to year and cultivar to cultivar, the economic feasibility of Tilt application may be limited.Key words: Hordeum vulgare L., propiconazole, soil fertility, management

This study was conducted to compare patterns of phenological development and agronomic traits of multiflorous and standard wheats (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) when grown in environment-controlled growth rooms (20/15 °C, 16/8 h, day/night, 600 μmol m 2 S 1). Six winter and six spring habit genotypes were studied in separate experiments. The winter multiflorous genotypes were earlier than the winter standard genotypes. Their earliness resulted in lower total biomass and grain yields, lower leaf and tiller numbers per primary culm, and spikelet numbers per spike. Within the spring group, few differences were associated with spike type although the multiflorous genotypes had reduced growth as indicated by lower tiller and spike numbers per plant. Leaf emergence in the multiflorous genotypes, as in the standard genotypes, was found to be a linear function of time. The tillering patterns of the multiflorous types were less pronounced than for the standards with lower maximum tiller numbers, and restricted die-back and reinitiation. Floret numbers per spikelet were higher in the multiflorous types due to higher initiation rates, longer initiation periods and/or reduced periods of die-back. The multiflorous trait was negatively associated with spike number and greater numbers of florets per spikelet did not always translate into greater numbers of kernels per spikelet. Because yield compensation was incomplete, yields per plant were lower in the multiflorous genotypes than the standards.