Barley Melius

Melius — a medium-maturing spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) variety included in the State Register for the Far Eastern region and recommended for cultivation in Primorsky Krai. The vegetation period is 67-82 days, maturing simultaneously with varieties Acha and Primorsky 44, slightly later than Musson. The plant is medium-height with an intermediate semi-erect bush, resistant to lodging and drought, surpassing some regional standards in this regard. The ear is pyramidal, loose-medium density with a waxy coating; grain size varies from medium to very large, ensuring a high thousand-grain weight — from 37 to 51 grams. The average yield in the region reaches 25 c/ha, exceeding the regional standard, with a maximum of 58.4 c/ha. The variety shows moderate resistance to stone-headed disease and streaked spot disease, but is susceptible to helminthosporiosis, root rots, and net blotch. At the same time, Melius demonstrates good resistance to powdery mildew, rhi-nhosporiosis, barley rust, and stem breakage, which is particularly important when harvesting cannot be done immediately after ripening. The straw is of medium height, contributing to good resistance to lodging and facilitating harvest. This variety is recommended not only for brewing purposes but also for fodder use due to its large, attractive grain with high weight and good uniformity. The optimal seeding rate for early sowing is 280-320 germinating seeds per square meter, equivalent to 130-150 kg per hectare. The breeder of the variety is SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIONS AG (Switzerland); the variety was included in the State Register since 2016 and is successfully cultivated in various regions, demonstrating stable and high yields.