Mascara

French breeding for high-yield farming

The winter barley "Mascara" from the French breeding house Secobra Recherches S.A.S. exemplifies the European approach to intensive agriculture. In an era of climatic volatility, this variety has established itself as a reliable tool for achieving consistently high grain quality while maintaining full control over crop development.

Agronomic features and morphology

The "Mascara" variety is characterized by its compact structure, with a plant height of only 70–80 cm. This short stature is more than an aesthetic trait; it is the key to high resistance to lodging—a crucial factor when using intensive cultivation methods and nitrogen-heavy fertilization. The short stem allows the plant to direct most of its nutrients into ear development rather than vegetative biomass.

Crop health as a foundation for profitability

A major advantage of this hybrid is its comprehensive genetic immunity. Secobra’s breeding program places significant focus on protection against common pathogens that typically cost farmers 15–25% of their yield. "Mascara" demonstrates high tolerance to:

• Helminthosporium;
• Rhynchosporium;
• Powdery mildew;
• Dwarf leaf rust.

Such resilience allows for the optimization of fungicide programs, reducing the number of applications and lowering production costs without compromising disease control.

Market positioning

Secobra Recherches S.A.S. developed "Mascara" specifically for farms focused on export and high-standard processing. This barley exhibits excellent tillering energy and high grain weight, making it a preferred choice for producers in temperate climates. Thanks to its French heritage and strict seed quality control, the variety offers uniform stand establishment and predictable performance across various soil types.