Elf

The spring barley variety Elf is a medium-maturing, medium-height two-row barley developed jointly by the Central Region Institute of Grain Crops of the Non-Chernozem Zone and Ryazan Research Institute of Agro-Technical Production. The crop's vegetation period ranges from 75 to 90 days, enabling successful cultivation in various regions of Russia, including the Northwestern, Central, Volgo-Vyat, Central Chernozem, Volga, Ural, and Far Eastern regions. Elf is characterized by high plasticity and stable yield, averaging 35.9–45.3 c/ha, as well as resistance to lodging and several diseases, including powdery mildew and partial resistance to black and hard rust. The grain is large, round, with a 1000-grain weight of 40–55 g, ensuring high extractability of 79–81%. Protein content in the grain varies from 9 to 12%, and lysine from 0.39 to 0.48%, making Elf valuable for the brewing industry due to its low protein content and high extractability. The grain has a strong hull and high germination rate (95–98%), contributing to good seedling emergence and seed quality. For successful cultivation, the recommended seeding rate is 350–400 plants per square meter, along with nitrogen fertilization at 30–40 kg/ha d.в. at planting, taking into account soil agrochemical properties. Special attention should be paid to seed treatment and fungicide applications: one mandatory treatment, and two applications with growth regulators when high yield potential is expected. The variety demonstrates moderate drought tolerance and requires comprehensive protection against gelosporiosis to maintain stable productivity.