Barley variety Commander is a spring medium-maturing variety recommended for cultivation in the Polissia and Forest-Steppe regions. The vegetation period ranges from 75 to 90 days depending on conditions, and plant height varies between 65-78 cm. The ear is two-rowed, about 9 cm long, with thin, almost parallel straw-yellow awns with serrations. The grain is elliptical, straw-yellow in color, with a protein content of about 11%, 1000-grain weight of 48-50 g, and high uniformity (96%).
Commander variety exhibits high resistance to various diseases and stress factors, including lodging, powdery mildew, dwarf rust, helminthosporiosis, as well as downy mildew, black rust, and stone rust. Resistance to lodging and diseases is rated at 7-9 points on a 10-point scale. Moreover, the variety shows high productivity with a yield potential of 7.5 to 9.5 tons per hectare, which corresponds to 58.3 c/ha on average. Commander is characterized by high tillering, uniformity, and a strong, semi-erect stem.
To achieve maximum yield, standard agronomic practices for the cultivation zone are recommended, including mandatory application of fertilizers and seed treatment for disease protection. The variety responds well to ammonium nitrate application at rates of 180-200 kg/ha, which may increase yield by 10-15 c/ha. Due to its high content of extractives (82%) and optimal protein level, Commander barley is widely used in grain production and brewing industry.
