Evaluation of Czech hop varieties (Humulus lupulus L.) in a dry area without irrigation

Since 2017, a field experiment has been conducted in a dry area with 11 Czech hop varieties. The highest yields were achieved by the Uran variety (2.83 t/ha) and Saaz Shine variety (2.76 t/ha), which also exhibited the lowest yield variability, at 11.17% (Saaz Shine) and 12.53% (Uran). The lowest hop yield was recorded by the Harmonie variety (1.17 t/ha), which also showed high yield variability (30.92%). The Bohemie variety had the highest yield variability of hops at 35.26%. While the Gaia (14.66% w/w) and Uran (13.53% w/w) varieties had the highest alpha acid content. Conversely, the Mimosa variety showed the lowest alpha acid content (1.56% w/w) and also the lowest alpha/beta acid ratio (0.29). The Rubín variety reached the highest alpha/beta acid ratio (3.00). The Uran variety exhibited the lowest variability in alpha (6.16%) and beta (6.28%) acid content. In contrast, the Harmonie variety had the highest variability in alpha (59.02%) and beta (38.18%) acid content. The Uran and Saaz Shine varieties are the most suitable for the dry area. Additionally, the Gaia and Saaz Brilliant varieties showed good performance parameters. The hop varieties Vital, Gaia, Saaz Brilliant, and Saaz Shine had the most intense hop aroma, while the Boomerang and Uran varieties had a high intensity of spicy aroma.