Yield potential
Quench is the highest yielding spring malting barley available – a massive 11% higher yielding than Optic, equivalent to 0.8 tonnes per hectare.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2008.
Quench has produced excellent yields across all regions of the UK, demonstrating that it is a very consistent variety to grow.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2008.
Quench is also extremely high yielding in untreated situations.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2008.
Disease resistance
Quench has excellent resistance to Rhynchosporium and mildew. However, a managed fungicide programme is recommended.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2008.
Fungicide use
Getting early to mid season agronomy right is crucial to establishing a healthy crop.
- T0 - Needed in extreme disease pressure situations.
- T1 - Key application timing to protect the canopy during the plants’ main burst of growth.
- T2 - To ensure the crop is healthy at harvest, protecting the grain fill and green leaf areas, vital for maintaining grain quality.
Core fungicide programme
- T1 - Kayak + Triazole GS30 (will give control of a broad spectrum of disease).
- T2 - Amistar Opti + Triazole GS39-45 (protection against foliar disease and control of biotic and abiotic spotting).
Agronomic information
Quench is a relatively short and very stiff variety with excellent resistance to lodging and brackling. Quench has a similar maturity to Optic.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2008.
Growth habit
- Early Spring: Semi-prostrate
- Tillering ability: Medium
- Maturity: Medium to late (Optic type)
Drilling dates
- Suitability for early drilling: Good
- Optimum drilling date: February – March (Scotland). January – February (England)
- Suitability for late drilling (April): Good
Recommended sowing rate
Seed rates are dependent on soil conditions at the time of drilling, the more difficult the environment the higher the seed rates should be to compensate for potential plant loss.
Quench is a very adaptable and robust variety which suits many field situations. New Farm Crops’ trial results confirm that in good conditions there are no detrimental effects to Quench’s yield or grain quality by altering seed rates.
The table below shows the suggested number of seeds per square metre that should be planted under good conditions. These figures should always be used in conjunction with the thousand grain weight of the seed.
Nitrogen application
On average over 35% of spring barley purchased in England has grain N levels between 1.65 – 1.85. Varieties have different optimum nitrogen rates, therefore balancing N inputs to end market, variety and season is key.
Ensure you have checked levels with your contract and end market.
New Farm Crops’ nitrogen input trials have shown the following effects to changes in N timing and quality for Quench:
Source: Syngenta Seeds contracted trials harvest 2007.
In most situations the recommended amount of N for Quench would be: 120-150kg/ha – applied by GS15. The graph above shows the effect of timing and application on Quench’s yield and grain N levels. Total application made: 120kg/ha. The optimum application rate: 25% GS11 and 75% GS15.
PGRs
Normally not required, however NFC advises their use on lush crops or very fertile sites. In these cases use low rate Moddus (0.1 – 0.2 l/ha) at GS 29-30 to stabilise tillers and promote root development.
Quality
Quench has provisional IBD approval for brewing. Quench is also currently being tested and evaluated across Europe (including France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Latvia and Lithuania) which may offer potential export opportunities.
Quench appears to possess a very ‘balanced profile’ in terms of quality attributes required by European customers, including good Hot Water Extract (HWE), good levels of DP and low beta glucan.
Grain quality
Specific weight: 67.9 kg/hl
Sieving % through: 2.25mm - 2.5%
Sieving % through: 2.5mm - 7.6%
Nitrogen Content: 1.55N
TGW: Good
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2008.
Harvesting priority
Normal priority – it is always advisable to harvest the crop in the best condition as soon as moisture is correct. As with all malting barleys, the variety should be kept separate to prevent contamination and obtain the maximum premium from the end product.
Storage management
Correct storage of malting barley is a priority to ensure harvest quality remains. Malting barley should be at a moisture of below 14.5% to minimise the risk of moulds and dried in such a way so there is no damage to the germination.
Grain temperatures and moistures should be regularly checked to ensure quality is maintained and germination levels are kept at 98% plus.
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If you require any more information about this variety, please contact Syngenta Seeds on 01223 883400
Disclaimer
The information given in these pages is for general guidance only. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure it is accurate, it is out of necessity, of a general nature and variation in growing environment or climate and/or changes to legislation, regulations and best practice can render it inaccurate. Syngenta Seeds Limited cannot accept any liability arising out of or in conjunction with the use of this information. Crop protection products should be used in conjunction with manufacturers’ recommendations. Use pesticides safely – always read the label. Consult your agronomist for the most current advice.
