Comparison of the Falling Number and Rapid Visco Analyzer methods for determining pre‑harvest sprouting in barley grain

Pre-harvest sprouting represents a serious agronomic risk in spring barley cultivation, particularly in years characterised by increased air humidity and more frequent rainfall during the pre-harvest and harvest periods. This study evaluates the risk of pre-harvest sprouting in selected spring barley varieties tested in the Czech Republic in 2023. Pre-harvest sprouting intensity was assessed using the Falling Number and Rapid Visco Analyser instruments. The results indicate that the site had a dominant effect on pre-harvest sprouting (approximately 70%), while the variety influenced pre-harvest sprouting by 16 and 18%. A strong correlation (r = 0.978***) was found between the values obtained by the Falling Number and Rapid Visco Analyser instruments, confirming that both methods yield consistent results. The LG Tuplak variety showed a low risk of pre-harvest sprouting. The Kimberly, RGT Proxima, and Guzel varieties had a high risk of pre-harvest sprouting. The study highlights the importance of selecting suitable varieties and growing sites as key factors in minimising the risk of grain pre-harvest sprouting.