Honeycomb evaluation of barley germplasm under pre-evaluated environments

Abstract

Preliminary environment evaluation based on maize data from Randomized Complete Block designs conducted in Florina and Thessaloniki, allowed the comparative analysis of newer and older Greek barley varieties. Yield measurements were followed by additional measurements of field characteristics that involved plant height in March, total plant height at maturity, vegetative period in days, susceptibility to lodging, kernel protein (%), 1000-kernel weight, number of tillers, number of kernels per ear and length of ear. Yield was additionally analyzed in components according to honeycomb methodology that depict yielding performance per se, resistance to stresses and responsiveness to inputs. According to honeycomb methodology, differences found between barley varieties studied are more reliable and breeders can depend on these findings to define the use of each variety according to differences in yield components. The yielding performance of newer barley varieties depends on the number of fertile tillers that contributes to higher individual plant yield and additionally, to high tolerance or resistance to various stresses and high responsiveness to inputs. Newer varieties Persefoni and Demetra exhibited great and stable yielding performance and high productivity dynamic that overyielded all other varieties, while Thermi although an old variety, proved to be a very good genetic material with satisfactory characteristics and yielding performance.