Does higher yield potential improve barley performance in Mediterranean conditions?

The results indicate that the higher yield of Graphic under a wide range of Mediterranean conditions may be sustained by increased plant growth and total photosynthesis during tillering, although the photosynthetic capacity per unit leaf area is lower than that of Kym. Graphic has a more extensive root system than Kym, subsequently improving its water status in later stages of the crop cycle. Nitrogen content per unit leaf area is a good indicator of the growth and photosynthetic activity of barley plants in the early stages of the crop cycle.