
Highest yielding winter malting barley with unmistakable quality
Yield potential
Flagon is the highest yielding, fully approved 2-row winter malting variety in treated and untreated trials, with yields up to 3% higher than Pearl. Flagon also shows consistently low grain nitrogen content, offering the grower more flexibility in meeting market requirements.
Source: HGCA Winter Barley Recommended List 2008–2009
Source: NIAB List 2008
Disease resistance
Flagon has outstanding resistance to all the major diseases, scoring an 8 rating for Rhynchosporium and a 7 rating for yellow rust and brown rust.
Source: HGCA Winter Barley Recommended List 2008–2009.
On the 1-9 scale high figures indicate that a variety shows the character to a high degree (eg high resistance). ( ) denotes limited data.
Fungicide use
- T0 - Needed if there are signs of early disease pressure.
- T1 - T1 timing is the key for protecting the canopy during the plants' main spring growth period, as during this time competition from disease reduces the development of potential grain sites. The use of Kayak + a triazole or strobilurin based product gives a broad-spectrum of disease control. Triazole should be added in a curative situation or the where the crop is showing high levels of brown rust.
- T2 - T2 application is to protect green leaf and prolong grain filling as premature senescence caused by disease and abiotic leaf spotting reduces yield and increases loss through screenings and specific weight. Bravo has been demonstrated to have affect against biotic and abiotic leaf spotting, good disease control and prolonged green leaf retention.
Core fungicide programme
- T0 - Kayak + Tern if required
- T1 - Kayak + Triazole or Strobilurin
- T2 - Amistar Opti + Triazole
Note: Amistar Opti is a co-formulation containing azoxystrobin and chlorothalonil (Bravo).
Agronomic information
Flagon is early to mature and a full PGR programme is recommended due to the 5 rating for resistance to lodging.
Source: HGCA Winter Barley Recommended List 2008–2009
Growth habit
- Autumn: Semi-prostrate
- Spring: Medium
- Tillering ability: Medium
- Maturity: Medium/early
Drilling dates
- Suitability for early drilling: Good
- Optimum drilling date: End of September to early October
- Suitability for late drilling (December): Medium
Recommended sowing rate
Seed rates are dependent on soil conditions, rotation and time of drilling: the more difficult the environment the higher the seed rate must be to compensate for potential plant loss. The table below shows the suggested number of seeds per square metre that should be planted under good conditions.
The table below should always be used in conjunction with the thousand grain weight of the seed to calculate the sowing rate.
Nitrogen application
Most commercial malting barley growers use between 100-120kg/ha with a split dressing. NFC recommends 40kg/ha in mid to late February and the remainder to be applied by the end of March. However, care must be taken to target grain nitrogen to the end user's requirements when aiming for a malting specification.
PGRs
Commercial malting barley growers in 2006 and 2007 controlled lodging easily with a standard programme. On very lush or fertile sites a second PGR at GS37 may be required.
Core guidelines
- GS31-32 – Moddus 0.2 lt/ha + chlormequat 1.25 lt/ha at onset of stem extension
- GS37 – Moddus 0.3 lt/ha or Ethephon + mepiquat chloride 0.1 lt/ha
Grain quality
Flagon has full Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) approval for brewing and an established demand among all end users. Flagon has high hot water extract levels and low Beta glucan, providing excellent quality. Flagon is also an inherently low grain nitrogen producer, a critical element in achieving full specification.
Source: HGCA Winter Barley Recommended List 2008–2009. Extract quality data from NIAB List 2008.
Harvesting
It is always advisable to harvest the crop in the best possible condition and to store separately if aiming for a malting premium.
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.

