Distilling variety offering exceptional end market flexibility
Yield potential
Forensic is a high yielding spring malting barley with provisional IBD approval for both malt and grain distilling.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2010.
Forensic has high yield potential, especially in northern regions of the UK where it is ideally suited to the distilling market.
*Limited data. Source: HGCA Recommended List 2010.
Forensic is consistently higher yielding than Concerto, Belgravia, Optic and Decanter at malt distilling sites (0.43 t/ha above Concerto).
Source: www.hgca.com 2-year mean (2008-2009) CM t/ha: Malt distilling (10 locations) = 7.74 t/ha
Disease resistance
Forensic has average foliar disease resistance and will show a yield response from a fungicide input programme.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2010.
Fungicide use
Always consult your agronomist and adapt programmes to local conditions.
Getting early to mid-season agronomy right is crucial to establishing a healthy crop.
Inputs should be tailored to control mildew and protect against Rhynchosporium at T1. T2 timing should be aimed at retaining green leaf area.
- T0 - In high disease pressure situations the application of a suitable fungicide will prevent significant levels of mildew appearing.
- T1 - Key application timing to protect the plants’ main burst of growth.
- T2 - To ensure the crop is healthy at harvest, protecting the grain fill and green leaf areas, vital for maintaining grain quality. Strobilurins protect against foliar disease and chlorothalonil has demonstrated excellent control of biotic and abiotic spotting.
CORE PROGRAMME
- T0 - Half rate fenpropimorph
- T1 - Kayak + Bravo + half rate prothioconazole
- T2 - Amistar Opti + half rate prothioconazole
Agronomic information
Forensic is a relatively short variety with good resistance to brackling and early maturity.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2010.
Growth habit
- Early Spring: Semi-prostrate
- Tillering ability: Medium/high
- Maturity: Medium
Drilling dates
- Suitability for early drilling: N/A
- Suitability for late drilling (April): Good
- Optimum drilling date: Mid-March to early April (Scotland). March (England).
Recommended sowing rates
Seed rates are dependent on soil conditions at the time of drilling. The more difficult the environment the higher the seed rates should be to compensate for potential plant loss.
The table below shows the suggested number of seeds per square metre that should be planted under good conditions. These figures should always be used in conjunction with the thousand grain weight of the seed.
Nitrogen application
Varieties have different optimum nitrogen rates, therefore balancing N inputs to end market, variety and
season is key. Ensure you have checked levels with your contract and end market (malt or grain distilling).
Syngenta Seeds trials work in 2008 and 2009 demonstrated that applying extra N was not the most effective way to increase yield or grain nitrogen. Growers should look at fertiliser timing, rather than quantity, to increase grain nitrogen levels. However, increasing the quantity of N applied will have some impact, particularly for those growers targetting the high protein grain distilling market (see grain distilling notes below).
The graph below shows the effect of timing and application rates on Forensic’s yield and grain nitrogen levels. 1st application made pre-emergence, the 2nd at GS11 and the 3rd at GS26/29. Total applied = 120 kgsN/ha
Syngenta Seeds/Scottish Agronomy. 2 year mean, harvest 2008 and 2009.
Malt distilling
When growing Forensic for malt distilling, growers should consider the following advice:
- Apply all fertiliser by GS15
- Seedbed condition will affect applications
- With a good seedbed and in good conditions, apply 75% of total N when tramlines are visible, then 25% 2 weeks later
- With a poor seedbed or poor establishment conditions apply 25% of total N to the seedbed and the balance when tramlines are visible
- For late-drilled crops consider applying all N to the seedbed, or 75% in the seedbed and 25% when tramlines are visible
Grain distilling
When growing Forensic for grain distilling, growers should consider the following advice:
- Land with good fertility is most suitable
- Do not drill too early
- Only apply 25% of N to the seedbed
- Split top dressing between GS15 and GS26
- Increase N input by 20% from malt distilling crops
These figures are for guidance purposes only. You must work with your agronomist when calculating nitrogen rates and timings, taking into consideration end market requirements and the fertility of the field. You should also work within any Defra guidelines/restrictions.
PGRs
Normally not required, however Syngenta Seeds advises their use on lush crops, very fertile sites or if being grown for grain distilling where higher levels of fertiliser are required. In these cases use low rate Moddus (0.1–0.2 lt/ha) at GS29-30 to stabilise tillers and promote root development.
Quality
Forensic is a non-GN variety which is potentially suited to both malt and grain distilling. It is a variety that is well-adapted to, and targeted at, the Scottish market.
Grain quality
Specific weight: 66.8 kg/hl
Sieving % through: 2.25mm - 1.5%
Sieving % through: 2.5mm - 5.1%
Nitrogen Content: 1.50%
TGW: Good
Harvesting
Top priority – with all quality crops it is critical to harvest the crop in the best condition as soon as moisture is correct. As with all malting barleys, the variety should be kept separate to prevent contamination and to maintain the maximum premium from the end product.
Storage management
Correct storage of malting barley is a priority to ensure harvest quality remains. Malting barley should be at a moisture of below 14.5% to minimise the risk of moulds and dried in such a way so there is no damage to germination.
Grain temperatures and moistures should be checked regularly to ensure quality is maintained and germination levels are kept at 98% plus.
Source: HGCA Recommended List 2010 – the full database can be consulted at www.hgca.com
On the 1-9 scales high figures indicate that a variety shows the character to a high degree (e.g. high resistance).
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If you require any more information about this variety, please contact Syngenta Seeds on 01223 883400
Disclaimer
The information given in these pages is for general guidance only. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure it is accurate, it is out of necessity, of a general nature and variation in growing environment or climate and/or changes to legislation, regulations and best practice can render it inaccurate. Syngenta Seeds Limited cannot accept any liability arising out of or in conjunction with the use of this information. Crop protection products should be used in conjunction with manufacturers’ recommendations. Use pesticides safely – always read the label. Consult your agronomist for the most current advice.
