RGT Planet
• A high yielding spring barley
• Potential malting use
• Consistent yield performance across all growing regions especially the lower North Island
• Superior straw strength compared to other new releases
Description
RGT PLANET is a new high yielding feed barley variety, bred in France by RAGT and developed in New Zealand in conjunction with Seed Force Ltd as head licensee and PGG Wrightson Grain (PGW Grain).
Yield
RGT PLANET has stood out in yield consistency over the past four years in CPT spring trials. It has topped several spring barley trials throughout the country, especially inland Mid-Canterbury and the lower North Island. In its first year in autumn CPT trials RGT PLANET was at the top of all three trials, with Sanette being slightly stronger in Southland.
| CPT RGT PLANET grain quality (4 year mean) | Lower North Island (Spring) | Canterbury (Spring) | Southland (Spring) | Canterbury (Autumn) | Southland (autumn) |
| Test weight (kg/hl) | 63 | 63 | 60 | 62 | 62 |
| Screenings (%) | 1.4 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 2.5 |
| Kernel weight (1000 seed weight) | 54 | 51 | 53 | 48 | 52 |
| Protein content (%) (N% x 6.25) | 9.1 | 10.0 | 11.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
Time of Drilling
RGT PLANET is an established autumn drilled barley although drilling is not recommended until early May owing to the risk of frost damage during flowering. It can be drilled through the winter into the spring, although sowing through the coldest weeks of June and July is not recommended, especially in heavy soils prone to water logging. Spring sowing is typically from early August to late September, except in the lower North Island where drilling can be as late as November.
Speed of Development
| Month planted | Typical heading dates for RGT PLANET in Canterbury |
| Mid September | Early December |
RGT PLANET has early to intermediate maturity at harvest
Seed Rate and Tillering Characteristics
RGT PLANET is a medium to high tillering variety and target plant populations should be within the standard PGW Grain barley seed rate guidelines.
Soil Type, Rotation and Geography
RGT PLANET can be planted on all soil types where barley is already grown and can be grown as a first or second year cereal. As a second year cereal, barley is generally more take-all tolerant than wheat, however yield will be lower than a first year barley crop.
Disease Resistance
RGT PLANET is mostly resistant to powdery mildew and moderately resistant to scald. However it is moderately susceptible to net blotch and leaf rust. Considering this disease profile, RGT PLANET will need a moderate to robust fungicide programme where there is pressure for leaf rust and net blotch. Please contact your local PGW Representative for site specific recommendations.
Disease resistance results:
| Disease | PGW disease nursery ratings (9 highly resistant, 1 highly susceptible) |
CPT Autumn sown cultivar rating |
| Scald | 6 | Moderately resistant |
| Net blotch | 5 | Moderately susceptible |
| Leaf rust | 4 | Moderately susceptible |
| Powdery mildew | n/a | Mostly resistant |
n/a = no data available.
Straw Strength and Height
RGT PLANET is a stiff strawed variety with medium to tall height. In Europe it rates high for brackling resistance and the New Zealand experience is similar. Autumn sowings will typically require PGR investment, especially under irrigation. Some spring crops may not need a PGR programme. The actual programme is determined by a combination of local conditions, management and yield potential. As with any cultivar, do not apply if the crop is under any form of stress. Please contact your local PGW Representative for site specific recommendations.
