Comparative performance of barley and wheat across a wide range of yielding conditions. Does barley outyield wheat consistently in low-yielding conditions?

There is a generalised belief that barley more resilient to stress than wheat. Consequently, land allocation wheat and based on presumed differential sensitivity stresses between these species. Previous field experiments showed yield of both crops tended be similar under low- high-productivity conditions Mediterranean environments, but in some particular studies advantages are reported. Therefore, the aim this study was determine comparative performance across wide range through literature published over first 20 years century considering exclusively where cereals had been grown side-by-side experiments. We compiled rigorous database from papers high-standard journals reporting actual data (we excluded simulated yields) measured were same experiment (excluding analysing separately). Yield distribution for species symmetrical with an average c. 440 g m?2 50–900 m?2. The yields lowest quartile ranged 58 293 m?2, being comparison suitable detecting differences low-yielding conditions. Considering individual papers, it possible identify any outcome cereals. However, all together clear there not consistent advantage at most stressful Indeed, very low yielding outyield barley. trends described above influenced by data-points comparisons tetraploid wheats, nor our own experimental data-points. Thus, we confirm review does consistently conditions, despite does.