B2601
A semi-smooth, awned, short proprietary release from Busch Agricultural Resources, Inc. in
1990, which contracts for its production. In 1990 irrigated trials, B2601 had
significantly higher grain yield than Morex, similar protein content, higher test weight,
and slightly lower plump kernel percentage. B2601 averages 7 inches shorter than Morex,
heads 4 days later, and lodges less.
Excel
A smooth-awned, white-kerneled variety released by Minnesota AES, USDA-ARS in 1990. It is
recommended by the American Malting Barley Association (AMBA) for malting and brewing.
Tests at Aberdeen indicate Excel is 2 inches shorter than Morex and 1 inch taller than
Steptoe. It yields more grain than Morex but less than Steptoe. Excel has 1 pound per
bushel higher test weight than Morex, stronger straw, and a higher plump seed percentage.
Maturity is similar to that of Morex and 1 day later than that of Steptoe.
Russell
A smooth-awned, white-kerneled variety released by Idaho AES, USDA-ARS in 1985.
Russell is recommended by the AMBA for malting and brewing. Russell averages 1 inch taller
than Steptoe and 3 inches shorter than Morex. It has stronger straw and lodges less than
either variety. Heading date is similar to that of Morex. Yield averages 4 percent less
than that of Steptoe under irrigation in southern Idaho. Percentage plump seed is similar
to that of Morex.
Morex
A smooth-awned, white-kerneled variety released by Minnesota AES, USDA-ARS in 1978. Morex
is recommended by the AMBA for malting and brewing. In 1990 and 1991, Morex was grown on
more acres in Idaho than any other barley variety. Morex is tall and has relatively weak
straw but has desirable malting and brewing characteristics. Morex is several inches
taller than Steptoe and has similar lodging resistance. Under irrigation, Morex averages
about 1.5 pounds per bushel heavier test weight than Steptoe and heads about 1 day later.
Morex yields about 20 percent less than Steptoe in southern Idaho.