Straw, grain, and total yields were compared among 32 two-row and 43 s
ix-row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars registered in eastern and
western Canada, that were grown at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Islan
d in 1991 and 1992. Straw nutrients was determined in 1991. Two-row cu
ltivars yielded more straw and less grain than six-row cultivars (P <
0.05). The total yield (i.e., total aboveground dry matter) of two-row
cultivars was approximately equal to that of six-row cultivars. Straw
of two-row cultivars contained more cell contents but less hemicellul
ose, total-N, Ca, Na, Mn, and Zn than six-row cultivars straw (P < 0.0
5). Straw yields were not different between eastern and western cultiv
ars regardless of whether they were two-row or six-row types. Eastern
two-row cultivars showed higher grain yield and higher total yield tha
n western two-row, and their straws contained less lignin and P than t
hose of western cultivars. Straw of eastern six-row cultivars containe
d less Ca, but more Na and Mg than that of western six-row cultivars.
Hulless barleys showed less grain yield and their straw contained less
cellulose than covered barleys regardless of whether they were two-ro
w or six-row types. Two-row hulless cultivars yielded more straw than
two-row covered barleys. Straw of six-row hulless barleys contained mo
re cell contents, total-N, and minerals (except for Na and Mn) than th
at of six-row covered barleys.