Elf

The Elf spring barley variety is a mid-maturing and medium-height two-row brewing barley with high grain quality. It is characterized by large, uniform, round-shaped grain; the mass of 1000 grains ranges from 40 to 55 grams. Protein content in the grain varies from 9 to 12%, while lysine content is within 0.39–0.48%. Grain extractiveness is high — 79–81%, making the variety particularly valuable for the brewing industry. Seed germination reaches 95–98%, ensuring good germination and uniform plant development. Elf exhibits stable yield performance under various climatic conditions, with average yields ranging from 35.9 to 45.3 centners per hectare, reaching up to 77.1 c/ha in favorable conditions. The variety is distinguished by its resistance to lodging and root sprouting, as well as high resistance to powdery mildew, net blotch, and head fusarium. Moderate resistance is noted to powdery and stone head smut, as well as rhynchosporium. Under field conditions, the variety is weakly affected by stem rust and moderately damaged by the Swedish wheat mite. To achieve maximum productivity, it is recommended to adhere to agronomic measures: the sowing rate should be 350–450 seeds per square meter depending on sowing dates and growing conditions. Nitrogen fertilization at sowing should be 30–40 kg/ha of active substance, taking into account soil agrochemical indicators, along with phosphorus and potassium top-dressing. Special attention should be given to seed treatment and fungicide applications — one application is mandatory, and two applications along with growth regulators are recommended at high yield potential. The Elf variety is recommended for cultivation in various regions, including the Central-Black Earth, Middle-Volga, Ural, Far Eastern, Northwestern, Central, and Volga-Vyatka regions.