Malt / Malz

A Reliable Brewer: Malz Barley by Limagrain

In the spring barley segment, the French breeding of Limagrain focuses on the balance between yield and technological grain parameters. The 'Malz' variety is a classic two-row barley tailored to the needs of the malting industry. Its key distinction lies in the combination of high stem density and predictable grain quality metrics.

Agronomic Potential and Characteristics

'Malz' shows stable tillering, forming an average of 793 productive stems per square meter. This makes it highly responsive to intensive cultivation technologies. With a plant height of 70–80 cm, the variety has good lodging resistance, which is critical during harvest. The vegetation period is 100–110 days, with heading occurring at 60–70 days, allowing agronomists to plan crop protection schedules effectively.

• Raw Material Quality: The content of nitrogenous substances (protein) is 11%, which is the 'gold standard' for malting raw materials. The Kolbach index of 42% confirms high potential for producing quality malt.
• Weight and Density: The 1000-seed weight ranges from 44 to 46 grams, ensuring a good grain yield.

Protection and Resistance

The variety demonstrates pronounced resistance to key barley pathogens: helminthosporiosis, net blotch, and dwarf rust. However, like any intensive variety, 'Malz' requires careful monitoring for alternaria, powdery mildew, and various types of spotting (mycosphaerella, brown spot). By following fungicide application protocols, 'Malz' fulfills its potential, minimizing losses from diseases in temperate climates.

Who is this variety for?

'Malz' is the choice for professional agricultural producers working on contracts with brewing companies. If your strategy is to obtain uniform, well-filled grain with predictable milling and extractivity parameters, this variety will justify the investment. It does not forgive negligence regarding crop protection, but with the right approach, it guarantees high marketability of the yield.