Agricultural and Biological Research

Genetic variability and agronomic association on some genotypes of barley (Hordeum vulgare L)

Nuru Seid Tehulie*

Studying genetic variability in crops is important for improving the crops and enhancing the production. Genetic variability is the occurrence of differences among varieties due to differences in their genetic composition and/or the environment in which they are raised. Fifteen barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes were evaluated for 13 traits in RCBD with three replications at two locations, Legambo and Mekdela. Days to heading showed the highest heritability at both locations, that is, (86.70%) at Legambo and (80.00%) at Mekdela. Moderate to high heritability was observed for plant height (66.90%), spike length (56.90%), number of kernel/spike (53.20%), and days to maturity (51.20%), number of spikelet (48.50%) and thousand kernel weight (24.30%) at Legambo, and spikelet/spike (45.30%), days to maturity (43.90%) and hectoliter weight (41.80%) at Mekdela. Estimated genetic advance as percent of the mean was generally low for the 13 characters. Among the characters, number of kernel/spike had higher genetic advance as percent of the mean value at both locations and followed by thousand kernel weight. Grain yield showed positive and significant phenotypic correlation with biological yield, harvest index and hectoliter weight at both locations. While biological yield and grain yield can be considered for selection, widening the genetic base of the barley germ-plasm in Ethiopia is a pre-requisite for a successful breeding program.