Unfavourable weather in March and April has delayed the drilling of large acreages of spring barley. Despite this, with warmer weather now prevailing, yields may not be entirely compromised. Key to this will be maximising the number of ears/ m2 and grain size.
“Survival of tillers and spikelets is favoured by good light interception, photosynthesis and growth during stem extension. Potential grain size and dry matter storage capacity are determined by ovary development during booting, as well as endosperm development in the two or three weeks after ear emergence”
Source: AHDB Barley Disease Management Guide