Use of spike moisture content to define physiological maturity and quantify progress through grain development in wheat and barley

A single measurement is useful for determining how far a crop has progressed through grain development, and whether it reached physiological maturity. Grain development commonly assessed by using subjective, qualitative methods that describe the look feel of kernel or colour straw. Physiological maturity in cereal crops can be determined more accurately moisture content; however, content whole spikes potentially quicker easier to assess than individual kernels, with greater degree accuracy. This experiment aimed characterise dynamics intact wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) barley (Hordeum vulgare during phase identify spike corresponding both species. The dry matter water contents five cultivars sown over six dates were at weekly intervals throughout period from anthesis harvest ripeness. Use regression analysis was 43% (95% confidence interval 41–45%) 50% 49–51%) barley, irrespective differences cultivar morphology, phenology growing conditions. We demonstrate progression objectively quantitatively content, we provide guidelines accurate determination stage moisture.