L’ORGE DE PRINTEMPS SOPHIE

In the Eastern Canada Co-op Barley test, Sophie has given an average yield of grain 1% higher than Mingo and Laurier, 3% higher than Bruce and 13% higher than Conquest. In the 1979 regional trials, it has given yields comparable to those of Loyola, the most widely grown cultivar in Quebec. From 295 comparisons with check cultivars, its yield was superior (P = 95%) in 23% of the comparisons, equal in 69% and inferior in 8% of the cases. This cultivar has also given higher yields than the checks in Western Canada. It is different mainly because of its late maturity. It is, on the average, 4 days later than the checks. It is also more resistant to lodging than Loyola and Laurier. Its straw strength is inferior to that of Bruce but almost equal to that of Conquest. Its weight per 1000 grains is higher than that of Conquest or Bruce, similar to that of Loyola or Mingo, and smaller than that of Laurier. It is moderately susceptible to powdery mildew. Bruce is, however, more resistant to this disease. Sophie had shown more resistance to leaf rust than the checks. It is also moderately susceptible to net blotch. This feed grain barley cultivar is a joint release between Laval University and the Agriculture Canada Research Station of Ste-Foy, Quebec. Breeder seed will be maintained by Université Laval at Ste-Foy.