Evaluation of yield and its components in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes differentiated for spike and kernel types

Abstract

In order to avoid no desired crosses to combine four types of barley, the differential effect of spike type and grain on final yield and its components was studied in twelve genotypes at Duitama and Samaca (Boyaca, Colombia) in a split-plot design with four replications. An analysis of variance was practiced, locally, for each variable taking the mean genotype groups as a treatment and not an individual genotype. Differences among treatments were determined by a Least Significance Difference. Two-rowed barley genotypes gave a higher number of effective tillers (Samaca) and heavier kernels (Duitama, Samaca); while, six-rowed barley genotypes had a greater number of kernels/spike (Duitama, Samaca). Additionally, in Duitama, hull absent kernel barley genotypes produced a greater number of kernels/spike; but, hulled kernel barley genotypes gave heavier kernels. The row number x hull prevalence interaction only affected the kernels/spike number (Duitama). As for the yield of dry grain in Duitama, none of the sources of variation presented significant effects. With regard to the row number, this may be due to compensation between the yield components, some higher than others in one or another type, between the two-rowed and six-rowed barleys evaluated.