Topstart Barley
High yielding barley variety for Tasmania.
Key Target Areas
- WA Ag-zones 2,3,5, and 6
- NSW – all zones; VIC – NC, NE, Wimmera and SW
- Tasmania
- SA – LEP, and Yorke Peninsula
- QLD – SEQ
Variety Description
- Topstart is a high-yielding, widely adapted malting-style barley; top in the NVT Long Term Averages (2009-13) for SW VIC (mean 5.23 t/ha; 12% > Granger and Westminster); out-yielded Buloke in WA by 16% in the favourable 2011 season and by 3% in the 2010 drought season; overall 3% yield advantage over Maltstar and Alestar with a slightly different malting profile.
- Medium-long season variety, maturity similar to Commander and 3 days earlier than Oxford; 10-15 cm taller than Baudin but with superior straw quality and resistance to lodging; good test weight and low screenings; high grain colour score (brightness).
- Resistant to Powdery Mildew (mlo11 gene); resistant to leaf rust (Rph3, Rph20 (APR)
- MR to Net Form on Net Blotch; MS to Spot Form.
- Genetics and quality: Derived from a cross with the variety Viskosa, Micro malting tests indicate an export (starch) malting profile with Diastatic Power above 350 wk; good malt extract and moderately high fermentability.
Talk to your local agronomist for more information and advice
