ESMA is a medium-early spring barley variety of dual purpose, intended for cultivation in the northwestern regions of Russia. It is characterized by a vegetation period of 78 to 99 days and belongs to the nautans type. The plant is of medium height, shorter than the Nur, Moscow 86, and Moscow 3 standards by 8-10 cm, with a semi-erect bush and strong anthocyanin coloring of the flag leaf ears. The ear is pyramidal, of medium density, with long serrated awns and large kernels, which ensures high grain size and high thousand-kernel weight - from 46 to 51 grams. The ESMA variety is distinguished by high resistance to lodging and dry conditions, which ensures stable and high yields. Average yield in cultivation regions reaches 33 c/ha, while maximum indicators reach up to 67.6 c/ha, exceeding average standards. The grain is characterized by high protein content up to 10.5%, which makes it valuable both for grain and forage. Moreover, the variety demonstrates high resistance to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, rhynchosporium, brown rust, and reticulate spot, but is susceptible to net blotch and damage by the Swedish midge. ESMA is recommended for cultivation in such regions as Kaliningrad and Kostroma, and is included in the state register for the North-West region. Thanks to its agronomic characteristics, such as high resistance to abiotic stress factors, strong waxy bloom on the sheaths of lower leaves, and optimal ear structure, this variety is a reliable choice for farmers seeking to obtain a stable and quality barley crop.
