Comparison of grain moisture vs. visual observation in selection for earlymaturity in barley.

The purpose of this research was to compare assessments of maturity in barl ey (Hordeum vulgare L.) using growing degree days to maturity based on visu al head color and percent grain moisture. Twelve barley cultivars were eval uated for 3 yr at Palmer, Alaska, using three harvest dates. Phenotypic and environmental correlation coefficients between growing degree days to matu rity and grain moisture at harvest were high, and tended to be highest at e arlier harvest dates.