Genotypic variation in some quality traits of malt barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) caused by time of nitrogen application and kernel position within spike

Abstract

The effect of time of nitrogen application and position of kernels in spike on kernel weight, protein content, β-amylase activity and β-glucan content were examined in two cultivars of barley. Cultivar 92-11 produced significantly bold kernels and lower β-glucan content with slightly lower protein content and higher β-amylase activity than cultivar Xiumei 3. Time of nitrogen application significantly influenced the quality parameters studied. Application of 110 kg N/ha at tillering produced significantly higher kernel weight and significantly lower protein content as well as β-glucan content as compared to its application made at boot stage. β-Amylase activity was also lowest in case of nitrogen applied at tillering stage. There were significant differences between two cultivars for quality parameters when kernels were selected from different spike positions or where specific plant part was removed at heading. The highest 1000-kernel weight was recorded in 92-11 (52.5%) with removal of side tillers and in...