At present three varieties are recommended for malting barley production in the Southern Cape, viz. Kadie, Hessekwa and Elim. The malting characteristics of these cultivars differ especially in terms of their dormancy (period from harvesting up to the stage where the barley meets the germination requirements for malting), and for that reason the mixing of these cultivars must be prohibited at all costs. It is thus imperative that the different cultivars are transported, handled and stored separately.

As it is difficult to distinguish between some cultivars in the field, it is imperative that chances for mixing are prevented. The first possibility for mixing is on the farm itself. This can be prevented by not planting a different cultivar to the one planted on that land the previous year. Producers must also ensure that planters and harvesters are cleaned thoroughly before moving to a field with a different cultivar. The chances of mixing are also greatly reduced if only one cultivar is grown on a farm.

The retaining of grain as seed for the next year is strongly discouraged. The problems of maintaining cultivar-pure and insect free seed with good viability safely on the farm is the reason why seed should not be kept back by producers.

The barley cultivars Genie and Overture are at this point in time the only recommended cultivars for commercial production of malting barley under irrigation. The ratio of production between these two cultivars is revised on an annual basis.

The malting characteristics of these cultivars differ and for this reason the mixing of these cultivars must be prohibited at all costs. It is thus imperative that the different cultivars are transported, handled and stored separately.

Seed of both cultivars will be available at the local co-operative and only at the depots as communicated prior to the planting season. These cultivars are only allowed to be delivered at the depots as stipulated in the contract or as communicated beforehand. The seed will be treated with a fungicide as well as an insecticide. This is for the prevention of powdery mildew during the development stages (approximately 10 weeks) of the seedlings and also to prevent covered smut and loose smut, while the insecticide will protect the seed against insect damage for a limited period before it is planted.