Apex and ear development in relation to the number of grains on the main-stem ears in spring barley (Hordeum distichon)

Abstract

SUMMARYApex and ear development in nine spring barley genotypes were studied at two sites in southern Spain in 1988. The genotypes were grouped into medium and early types, depending on the time from sowing to anthesis. Medium genotypes had significantly more spikelet primordia than early ones at both sites. Spikelet mortality was similar between genotypes and sites, resulting in a higher final number of grains/ear in the medium than the early genotypes.There was a positive correlation between the maximum number of spikelet primordia and the duration of three stages of apical development: lemma-, stamen- and awn-primordia. Negative correlations were observed between spikelet mortality and the duration of certain developmental phases of the ear.