Varieties

Numerous varieties of barley are available for production in North Dakota.  Six row barley is the predominant type of barley produced in North Dakota.  The distinguishing characteristic of six row barley is that each rachis node on the spike appears to have a whorl of six florets.  However, there are actually only three spikelets at each node, with each only having a single floret.  The floret in each of the three spikelets at each node is fertile, thus three kerns are formed at each node.

Two row barley has lateral spikelets that bear a sterile floret, so the mature spike appears to have only 2 rows of kernels.  The spike of two row barley has a long and slender appearance when compared to six row barley, which typically has a shorter spike with three spikelets at each node, thus giving the appearance of more seeds on the spike.

Following is a list of barley varieties commonly produced in North Dakota and their agronomic characteristics.