Spring barley varieties for 2025: Key changes and agronomic developments
Selecting the right variety is a crucial decision for every spring barley grower. While high yield is important, Teagasc Crops Specialist, Ciaran Collins explains why choosing a variety with strong resistance to disease and lodging can ultimately be more profitable for farmers.
The 2025 Spring Barley Recommended List features a record breaking selection, with 10 fully recommended varieties and two provisionally recommended ones - Hurler and Lollipop. This expansion highlights significant advancements in agronomic performance, disease resistance, and quality attributes.
It is important to note that not all varieties will be immediately available to growers due to limited seed availability, so it is important to consult with your supplier to check what is available in your area.
The certified seed area is expected to be sufficient to meet market demand, unlike in 2024 when a poor 2023 harvest led to heavy reliance on imported seed. Among the certified seed varieties, Geraldine has the largest share at 21%, followed by Mermaid and Florence at 14% each, and Amity at 10%.
Table 1: Barley varieties and share
| Variety | Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Geraldine | 21% |
| Gretchen | 6% |
| Hurler | 5% |
| Laureate | 6% |
| Lollipop | 2% |
| Mermaid | 14% |
| RGT Planet | 10% |
| Rockway | 2% |
| Skyway | 3% |
| Spinner | 5% |
| SY Amity | 10% |
| SY Tennyson | 0% |
| Belter | 1% |
| Florence | 14% |
| Gangway | 1% |
Straw quality
Straw quality is an important factor to consider, especially for high yielding crops. Florence tops the list in terms of resistance to lodging and straw breakdown. However, Gangway, Geraldine Gretchen, Amity and Hurler all have excellent straw quality. Planet, Mermaid and Skyway have the lowest ratings and growers need to be careful with total nitrogen application with these varieties and avoid fields following grassland and fields that have received recent applications of organic manure.
Disease resistance
Overall, the current spring barley varieties offer excellent disease resistance, allowing for reduced rate fungicide programmes to effectively control net blotch, rhynchosporium, and brown rust. However, applying fungicides at the correct timing is crucial for effective disease management. The exception is Planet, which is now primarily a niche variety for malting and requires higher fungicide rates compared to other varieties to control net blotch and rhynchosporium.
Mildew is a good example of advances in breeding technology, where all of the current varieties have mlo-based resistance for powdery mildew. All varieties rated 8 and do not need fungicide for mildew.
Ordering seed
Seed size is big this year, so ensure that this is factored in when ordering seed. The target establishment for spring barley is 300 seeds/m², so this will equate to sowing 350 seed/m² in good conditions. It is important to have a spread of varieties across the farm to reduce risk, so order in time to get your preferred variety.
Teagasc National Tillage Conference
For this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science at Teagasc, gives a preview of what to expect this years Teagasc National Tillage Conference.
One of the highlights of the Irish tillage calendar is the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, a must-attend event to hear about the latest research and advancements in the field.
Listen in below: