To investigate and identify potential new malting varieties for Victorian growers.

Seasonal conditions favoured early maturing varieties, particularly at the Wimmera sites. The relative performance of Gairdner in the Wimmera was the worst since its first inclusion in trials in 1996. In particular the grain plumpness levels of Gairdner were extremely low. Baudin (“Bow-dan”) is the latest malting variety available to Victorian growers. The variety is best suited to the 375 – 450mm average annual rainfall districts where Gairdner is currently the preferred variety. Yields of the two varieties were similar in the Wimmera during 2003 despite an increased susceptibility of Baudin to leaf rust. In a year where grain size was a major issue, grain plumpness levels of Baudin were substantially superior to Gairdner.