Management optimization of dual-purpose barley (Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch) for forage and seed yield

• Published in: Rangeland ecology & management 2004-03, Vol.57 (2), p.197-202
• Main Authors: EL-SHATNAWI, MOH'D KHAIR J., AL-QURRAN, LOUY Z., EREIFEJ, KHALIL I., SAOUB, HANI M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hordeum spontaneum; Hordeum vulgare
• ISSN: 1550-7424; 1551-5028
• DOI: 10.2111/1551-5028(2004)057[0197:MOODBH]2.0.CO;2

Dual-purpose barley (Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch.) is a winter annual native to Southern Mediterranean regions. It is used to establish permanent pasture because it has a brittle rachis. Crude protein, crude fiber contents, and responses of dual-purpose barley to time of defoliation were investigated in the northern mountains of Jordan. Field trials were conducted in the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 growing seasons in Samta (32 degree 23'N, 35 degree 50'E) at an elevation of 1043 m. The highest protein contents (P less than or equal to 0.05) of 25% were recorded in February 2001. Protein content declined gradually and reached the lowest values (2.5%) at maturity. Clipping produced shorter plants, but did not impact tillering.Clipping individual plants on 28 February (14.3 and 10.2 g plant super(-1), respectively in 2000 and 2001) and 15 March (10.3 and 9.2 g plant super(-1), respectively in 2000 and 2001) did not reduce the plant shoot weight. Forage production from plants clipped on 28 February (2902 and 1274 kg ha super(-1), respective years), 15 March (1793 and 1394 kg ha super(-1), respectively in 2000 and 2001) and 15 April (1554 and 994 kg h super(-1), respectively in 2000 and 2001) were similar to forage production from unclipped plants. Clipping on 15 April inhibited seed production. Defoliation during early growth stages optimized seed yield and forage quantity and quality.Original Abstract: La cebada de doble proposito (Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch.) es una especie anual invernal nativa de las regiones surenas del Mediterraneo. Es utilizada para establecer praderas permanentes porque tiene un raquis quebradizo. En las montanas del norte de Jordan se investigo el contenido de proteina y fibra cruda y la respuesta de la cebada de doble proposito a la epoca de defoliacion. Los estudios de campo se realizaron en las estaciones de crecimiento de 1999-2000 y 2000-2001 en Samta (32 degree 23'N, 35 degree 50'E) a una elevacion de 1043 m. Los contenidos mas altos de proteina (P less than or equal to 0.05), 25%, se registraron en Febrero de 2001. El contenido de proteina disminuyo gradualmente y alcanzo su contenido mas bajo en la madurez (2.5%). El corte produjo plantas mas cortas, pero no tuvo impacto en el ahijamiento. El corte de plantas individuales en el 28 de Febrero (14.3 y 10.2 g planta super(-1), respectivamente en 2000 y 2001) y el 15 de Marzo (10.3 y 9.2 g planta super(-1), respectivamente en 2000 y 2001) no redujo el peso de los tallos de la planta. L