XARXA ORDI - Barley variety evaluation network. New requirements of the production sector

Barley is the crop with the largest cultivated area in Catalonia and forms the basis for animal feed production and the brewing industry. Given the continuous process of varietal renewal, the Barley Variety Evaluation Network in Catalonia is a key tool for providing impartial information to cereal growers across different production areas.

This trial network is widely established across the region, with seven representative locations covering the main production areas: five for winter barley (cool rainfed areas, semi-cool areas, inland Girona and semi-arid zones) and two for spring barley (coastal Girona and irrigated areas of Lleida).

The main aim of the network is to transfer results to the sector. It generates information on varietal performance in terms of yield, crop cycle, agronomic traits and disease resistance, enabling the assessment of how new plant material contributes to improved sustainability.

The main objective of the project is to assess the adaptation of new commercial winter and spring barley varieties to the main production areas of Catalonia, with the aim of improving farm profitability and production sustainability.

Action of the Strategic Plan of the PAC 2023-2027 co-funded by: