The plants this week are in a period of rapid growth and dry matter accumulation.  The barley is well along in the jointing stage whereas the wheat is just starting the jointing stage.  The flag leaf is the last leaf to emerge and it is starting to emerge on the barley but not on the wheat.  Any moisture, nutrient, or other stress during this period will reduce yields by forcing the plants to abort tillers or by leaving the lower florets on the heads undeveloped.

Growing degree days for week of 5/24 - 5/31 = 236.5
Accumulated growing degree days (emergence to 5/31) = 831.5

Merit 2-row Barley

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Merit: 2-row spring barley.  Picture taken 6/1/99 at jointing stage.   Zadoks scale: 37, Feekes scale: 8, Haun scale: 7.4.

Note:  The flag leaf (last leaf to emerge) is starting to emerge which means the plant will soon be in the early boot/pollen formation stage.  The developing head in the main stem (see picture below) was 8-10 inches above ground.

Picture taken 6/1/99.  Developing head from Merit, 2-row spring barley at jointing stage.  This head (from the main stem) was approximately 8-10 inches above ground.

Whitebird Soft White Spring Wheat

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Whitebird: soft white spring wheat..  Picture taken 6/1/99 at early jointing.  Zadoks scale: 31, Feekes scale: 6, Haun scale: 7.3. 

Note:  The developing head in the main stem is just above ground level but barely visible at this time (approx. 1/8 to 3/16" in size).

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