Use of the Falling Number and Rapid Visco Analyser methods for determining the level of barley pre-harvest sprouting

Hana Piechová; Vratislav Psota; Radim Cerkal; Markéta Garčárová

Authors

Hana Piechová Department of Crop Science, Breeding and Plant Protection, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Vratislav Psota Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, Mostecká 971/7, 614 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Radim Cerkal Department of Crop Science, Breeding and Plant Protection, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Markéta Garčárová Research Institute of Brewing and Malting, Mostecká 971/7, 614 00 Brno, Czech Republic

Keywords:

spring barley, variety, pre-harvest sprouting, α-amylase activity, falling number, rapid visco analyser, stirring number, weather

Abstract

Pre-harvest sprouting represents a serious agronomic risk in spring barley cultivation, particularly in years characterised by increased air humidity and more frequent rainfall during the pre-harvest and harvest periods. This study evaluates the risk of pre-harvest sprouting in selected spring barley varieties tested in the Czech Republic in 2023. Pre-harvest sprouting intensity was assessed using the Falling Number and Rapid Visco Analyser methods. The results indicate that the site had a dominant effect on pre-harvest sprouting (approximately 70%), while the variety influenced pre-harvest sprouting by 16–18%. A strong correlation (r = 0.978***) was found between the values obtained by the Falling Number and Rapid Visco Analyser methods, confirming that both methods yield consistent results. The LG Tuplak variety showed a low risk of pre-harvest sprouting. The Kimberly, RGT Proxima, and Guzel varieties had a high risk of pre-harvest sprouting. The study highlights the importance of selecting suitable varieties and growing sites as key factors in minimising the risk of grain pre-harvest sprouting.