Barley Genotypes Research Articles

Diversity of gene expression responses to light quality in barley

Light quality influence on barley development is poorly understood. We exposed three barley genotypes with either sensitive or insensitive response to two light sources producing different light spectra, fluorescent bulbs, and metal halide lamps, keeping constant light intensity, duration, and temperature. Through RNA-seq, we identified the main genes and pathways involved in the genotypic responses. A first analysis identified genotypic differences in gene expression of development-related genes, including photoreceptors and flowering time genes. Genes from the vernalization pathway of light quality-sensitive genotypes were affected by fluorescent light. In particular, vernalization-related repressors reacted differently: HvVRN2 did not experience relevant changes, whereas HvOS2 expression increased under fluorescent light. To identify the genes primarily related to light quality responses, and avoid the confounding effect of plant developmental stage, genes influenced by development were masked in a second analysis. Quantitative expression levels of PPD-H1, which influenced HvVRN1 and HvFT1, explained genotypic differences in development. Upstream mechanisms (light signaling and circadian clock) were also altered, but no specific genes linking photoreceptors and the photoperiod pathway were identified. The variety of light-quality sensitivities reveals the presence of possible mechanisms of adaptation of winter and facultative barley to latitudinal variation in light quality, which deserves further research.

Enhancing Food Security Through Identification of Best Performing Barley Cultivars under Arid Conditions

Background: Plant genetic diversity is the key to the development of new crop varieties for enhanced crop production and improvement of food security. Barley is one of the most dependable cereal crop under saline and drought conditions and used majorly in feed, food and malting industry. The growth and yield of barley is highly influenced by the production environment and genotype. Methods: The study evaluated the growth and yield performance of fourteen barley genotypes under Kuwait’s environmental conditions. The field trials were conducted in Kuwait for two successive seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Result: The combined analysis of variance has shown that plant height, number of tillers/m2, number of days to heading, hundred kernel weight, grain and biomass yield varied significantly between the fourteen different barley varieties. Similarly, all the parameters varied significantly between the years except hundred kernel weight. In addition, an interaction was observed between genotype and year, for all parameters except hundred kernel weight, biomass yield and number of tillers/m2. Taking into consideration the two growing seasons, the varieties Kuwait 3 and Kuwait 4 presented superior performance over other varieties in terms of grain and biomass yield under Kuwait’s harsh environmental conditions.

Enhancement of some barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) resistance for nematode (Heterdra avanae) using DNA fingerprinting analysis

Background Heterodera avenae, the cereal cyst nematode or European cyst nematode, is a plant pathogen and an obligate parasite of cereal crops including barley, oats, wheat, and rye. Cereal crops infected with this nematode are more susceptible to infection by fungal diseases such as Rhizoctonia root rot. Objective The main objective of the present study was to map Heterodera avenae resistance and to compare seven different species. This study also aimed to increase the efficiency and precision of standard procedures for testing the resistance of barley toward root-lesion nematodes. Materials and methods The genetic variability analysis of seven barley genotypes, of Egypt was achieved using 7 Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. Phylogenetic relationships of seven accessions of (Hordeum vulgare L.) collected from different region of Egypt were assessed. The soil was sterilized in an autoclave of each pot was planted in the comparison experiment, as well as in the treatment experiment with nematode Heterdra avanae infected soil brought from an infected field, and this soil was added to the treated pots. Also (ISSR) molecular marker technique was used for DNA fingerprinting and assessing genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in barley germplasm. Results and conclusion A significant correlation was observed between the Jaccard’s dissimilarity matrices based on ISSR markers, as revealed by Mantel test using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.69; P < 0.05). The results showed that ISSR primers produced 37 bands their size ranged between 100-2000 bp with (87.5%). polymorphism percentage. Polymorphic information content PIC was 0.74 for ISSR. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic (UPGMA), Dendrogram was divided into two clusters by morphological traits and ISSR analysis. Genetic similarity matrix was examined with Jaccard’s coefficient, maximum similarity was found between Giza126 and Giza127 (99%) with morphological analysis both and lowest similarity between Giza123 and Giza126 (6%) with ISSR analysis. Determination of genetic diversity between barley is of major importance for characterization of barley germplasm, breeding programs and conservation purposes. Morphological traits and ISSR analysis are effective tools for detecting genetic variations. The results showed that H. vulgare have high ratio of variation. This study may be considered as reference study for further studies on H. vulgare and may contribute to species concept and breeding programs.

Identification of Superior Barley Genotypes (Hordeum vulgare L.) Based on Yield Stability and Optimal Agronomic Traits in Khorasan Razavi Province

Identification of Superior Barley Genotypes (Hordeum vulgare L.) Based on Yield Stability and Optimal Agronomic Traits in Khorasan Razavi Province

Impact of gamma radiation on the agronomic properties of naked barley genotypes

The usage of naked barley in the food industry is increasing day by day due to its health benefits. As a result, research on breeding naked barley have gained popularity. In these breeding studies, a wide variation in desired traits is needed to achieve higher success in selection. One of the best methods for obtaining genotypic variation, which is crucial for breeding studies on naked barley, is mutation. To obtain genotypic variation in certain agronomic parameters in naked barley genotypes, the impact of different gamma radiation doses on M1 and M2 plants of two naked barley genotypes was evaluated in this research. The seeds were treated with gamma irradiation using Cobalt 60 gamma source at six different doses, along with non-irradiated control samples. While the values at low doses were found to be comparable to the control in the majority of the traits, 250-300 Gy caused significant decreases in the majority of the traits in the M1 generation of both genotypes. Plant height, number of spikelets per spike, and number of grains per spike at the M2 generation were all negatively impacted by 250–300 Gy, although spike length, grain weight per spike, and thousand grain weight were positively impacted by the same doses. The mutant population generated by gamma irradiation of seeds of different naked barley genotypes was found to have suitable variation for the selection of desired traits. In addition, this material can be used to select individuals with outstanding agronomic characteristics.

Responses of Two-Row and Six-Row Barley Genotypes to Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Water Stress

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a crucial cereal crop globally, and its productivity is influenced by environmental factors, including elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and water stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of water stress and increased CO2 concentration on the growth, physiological responses, and yield of two-row and six-row barley genotypes. Univariate data analysis revealed significant effects of CO2 concentration on most traits except chlorophyll a (Chla), crop antioxidant capacity as evaluated by the activity of plant extracts to scavenge the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and on the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). Mean comparisons showed that elevated CO2 increased certain traits such as shoot dry weight (ShDW) (34.1%), root dry weight (RDW) (50.8%), leaf area (LA) (12.5%), grain weight (GW) (64.1%), and yield-related traits and combination of significant indices (CSI) (72.5%). In comparison, Proline (−19.3%), Malondialdehyde (MDA) (−34.4%) levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (−39.1%), peroxidase (POX) (−26.1%), and catalase (CAT), (−34.4%) decreased. Water stress negatively affected ShDW (−40.2%), GW (−43.7%), RDW (−28.5%), and LA (−28.8%), while it positively affected DPPH (36.0%), APX (54.8%), CAT (85.1%), and MDA (101%). Six-row barley genotypes (Goharan and Mehr) had the highest yield under normal humidity and elevated CO2 concentrations, while under water stress conditions, their yield decreased more than two-row genotypes (Behrokh and M9316). Principal component analysis and heatmapping revealed that two-row barley genotypes exhibited the highest stress resistance under elevated CO2 concentrations, with the highest levels of secondary metabolites.

Genome-wide profiling of genetic variations reveals the molecular basis of aluminum stress adaptation in Tibetan wild barley

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soil is a major factor affecting crop productivity. The extensive genetic diversity found in Tibetan wild barley germplasms offers a valuable reservoir of alleles associated with aluminum tolerance. Here, resequencing of two Al-tolerant barley genotypes (Tibetan wild barley accession XZ16 and cultivated barley Dayton) identified a total of 19,826,182 and 16,287,277 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1628,052 and 1386,973 insertions/deletions (InDels), 61,532 and 57,937 structural variations (SVs), 248,768 and 240,723 copy number variations (CNVs) in XZ16 and Dayton, respectively, and uncovered approximately 600 genes highly related to Al tolerance in barley. Comparative genomic analyses unveiled 71 key genes that contain unique genetic variants in XZ16 and are predominantly associated with organic acid exudation, Al sequestration, auxin response, and transcriptional regulation. Manipulation of these key genes at the genetic and transcriptional level is a promising strategy for developing optimal haplotype combinations and new barley cultivars with improved Al tolerance. This study represents the first comprehensive examination of genetic variation in Al-tolerant Tibetan wild barley through genome-wide profiling. The obtained results make the deep insight into the mechanisms underlying barley adaptation to Al toxicity, and identified the candidate genes useful for improvement of Al tolerance in barley.

Genetic diversity and population structure analyses in barley (Hordeum vulgare) against corn-leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch).

Corn-leaf aphid (CLA), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious economic pest of barley worldwide. Breeding for aphid resistance in plants is considered a cost-effective and environmentally safe approach for aphid control, compared to the use of chemical pesticides. One of the challenges in breeding for aphid resistance is the identification of resistant plant genotypes, which can be achieved through the use of molecular markers. In the present study, a set of aphid specific 10 simple-sequence repeats (SSR) markers were used to investigate genetic diversity and population structure analyses in 109 barley genotypes against R. maidis. Three statistical methods viz., multivariate hierarchical clustering based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and the Bayesian approach were utilized to classify the 109 barley genotypes. The analyses revealed four subpopulations i.e., SubPop1, SubPop2, SubPop3 and SubPop4 with 19, 46, 20 and 24 genotypes including admixtures, respectively and represented 17.43%, 42.2%, 18.34% and 22.01% genotypes of the total population size, respectively. The studied SSR markers produced 67 polymorphic bands, with an average of 6.7 and ranging from 3 to 12 bands. Heterozygosity (H) was found to be highest in SSR28 (0.64) and lowest in SSR27 (0.89). The observed genetic diversity index varied from 0.10 to 0.34 (with an average of 0.19). Major allele frequency varied from 74.08% to 94.80%. On an average, 87.52% of the 109 barley genotypes shared a common major allele at any locus. Based on the Aphid Infestation Index (AII), only 2 genotypes were found to be resistant against CLA. SubPop2 also had lowest mean aphid population (28.83), widest genetic similarity index (0.60-1.00) and highest genetic similarity coefficient (0.82), which highlighted its potential for inclusion in future CLA resistance breeding programs.

Androgenic response of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties and lines – sources of high grain protein content

Aim. Protein content is known to be one of the most important characters of grain quality. Investigation was aimed to determine the capability to haploid production in anther culture in vitro of spring barley accessions which are the sources of high protein content in grain. Methods. Infrared spectroscopy was used for evaluation of variability of barley genotypes in protein content. Anthers isolated from cold-pretreated spikes were cultivated on agar solidified nutrient medium containing N6 macro-and MS micronutrients, physiologically active substances and maltose (9.0 %). Results. Three years testing showed that mean grain protein contents in six spring barley accessions varied from 12.6 to 19.1 %. Commercial variety Yavir, accessions IR06605 and DD-21 from germplasm collection of the National Plant Gene Pool of Ukraine were selected as genotypes with a stable expression of this char-acter. Response to androgenesis in vitro varied from 6.9 to 45.9 % of morphogenic anthers and from 0.64 до 14.7 green plants per 100 cultivated anthers in dependence of genotype and donor plant growth conditions. Conclusions. Because of association between high protein content in grains and a relatively high androgenic response, varieties Velikan and Yavir were considered to be the most valuable ones for use in spring barley breeding for improvement of protein content via anther culture in vitro.

Determination of Seedling Reactions of Some Barley Cultivars, Lines, and Wild Barley (Hordeum spontaneum) Genotypes to Cochliobolus Leaf Spot Disease

Cochliobolusleaf spot disease, also seen in barley, is an important disease caused by the fungus, Cochliobolus sativus. In this study, under greenhouse conditions, seedling stagereactions of 36 barley cultivars, 35 advancedlines, and 21 wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) genotypes obtained from Elazığ province of Türkiye and Güzelyurt district of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus against a virulent isolate of Cochliobolus sativus has been determined. Among barley cultivars and genotypes, six genotypes showed a low reaction, 29 genotypes showed moderate reactions and 36 genotypes showed a high reaction. Of the wild barley genotypes, two, 8, and 11 genotypes showed low, moderate, and high reactions respectively. Barley cultivars Harman and Pınar showed low reaction responses, cultivars Akar, Bolayır, Bozlak, Burgaz, Çumra 2001, Hasat, Misket, Orza 96, Sabribey, Sinanbey, Yaprak, and Yesevi 93 exhibited intermediate reaction responses and cultivars Anka-06, Asil, Avcı 2002, Aydanhanım, Ayrancı, Başgül, Burakbey, Bülbül 89, Cacabey, Cirit, Çetin 2000, Hazar, İnce 04, Keykubat, Larende, Özdemir 05, Sayım 40, Tarm 92, Tosunpaşa, Yalın, Yüksel, and Zeynelağa showed high reaction responses. Barley cultivars exhibiting low reaction types can be used by farmers in the field, while barley lines and wild barley genotypes showing low reactions can be used in breeding studies.

Genome-wide association and targeted transcriptomic analyses reveal loci and candidate genes regulating preharvest sprouting in barley.

Genome-wide association study of diverse barley genotypes identified loci, single nucleotide polymorphisms and candidate genes that control seed dormancy and therefore enhance resistance to preharvest sprouting. Preharvest sprouting (PHS) causes significant yield and quality loss in barley and it is strongly associated with the level of seed dormancy. This study performed genome-wide association study using a collection of 255 diverse barley genotypes grown over four environments to identify loci controlling dormancy/PHS. Our phenotypic analysis revealed substantial variation in germination index/dormancy levels among the barley genotypes. Marker-trait association and linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay analyses identified 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two QTLs associated with dormancy/PHS, respectively, on chromosome 3H and 5H explaining 6.9% to 11.1% of the phenotypic variation. QTL.5H consist of 14 SNPs of which 12 SNPs satisfy the FDR threshold of α = 0.05, and it may represent the SD2 locus. The QTL on 3H consists of one SNP that doesn't satisfy FDR (α = 0.05). Genes harbouring the significant SNPs were analyzed for their expression pattern in the seeds of selected dormant and non-dormant genotypes. Of these genes, HvRCD1, HvPSRP1 and HvF3H exhibited differential expression between the dormant and non-dormant seed samples, suggesting their role in controlling seed dormancy/PHS. Three SNPs located within the differentially expressed genes residing in QTL.5H explained considerable phenotypic variation (≥ 8.6%), suggesting their importance in regulating PHS resistance. Analysis of the SNP marker data in QTL.5H identified a haplotype for PHS resistance. Overall, the study identified loci, SNPs and candidate genes that control dormancy and therefore play important roles in enhancing PHS resistance in barley through marker-assisted breeding.

Effects of genotype and environment on productivity and quality in Californian malting barley

AbstractMalting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity and grain quality are of critical importance to the malting and brewing industry. In this study, we analyzed 12 malting barley genotypes across 8 locations in California and 3 years (2017–2018, 2018–2019, and 2020–2021). The effects of genotype (G), location (L), year (Y), and their interactions were assessed on grain yield (kg ha−1), grain protein content (%), individual‐grain weight (mg), thousand kernel weight (TKW; g), grain size (plump and thin; %), onset gelatinization temperature (GT; temperature at which starch starts to gelatinize), peak GT, offset GT, difference between onset and peak GT, and difference between peak and offset GT. L, Y, and their interaction explained the largest variance for all traits except TKW, peak GT, and difference between onset and peak GT, for which G explained the largest variance. Yield and plump (%) were weakly negatively correlated with onset and peak GT (Pearson's r of −0.15 to −0.21) but showed a positive correlation with the difference between peak and offset GT (Pearson's r of 0.37 and 0.36). The 2020–2021 samples formed partially distinct clusters in principal component analysis, mainly discriminated by high percentage of thins and high onset GT. These findings illustrate the key roles of G, L, and Y in determining malting barley productivity and quality.

Artificially applied late-terminal drought stress in the field differentially affects Ramularia leaf spot disease in winter barley

Ramularia leaf spot disease (RLS) is one of the most dominating fungal diseases in barley. The disease typically appears late in the season after flowering and results in a rapid loss of photosynthetic leaf area. A recent decline in fungicide efficacy and a lack of RLS-resistant cultivars hamper effective control. Global warming will provoke increasing droughts which influence host plant physiology and probably affect outbreak and severity of RLS. Relatively little is known about genetic resistance to RLS in winter barley and about the influence of various weather conditions and climate change on RLS pathogenesis. Hence, we evaluated severity of RLS on 15 winter barley genotypes under persistent late-terminal drought stress or controlled irrigation, respectively, in a field rainout shelter. Over three consecutive years, we observed reproducible differences in quantitative RLS field resistance of the used cultivars and variable suppression of RLS under drought. Our results support a function of drought in suppression of RLS in winter barley, but also reveal strong year effects even under semi-controlled rainout shelter conditions. Data may be relevant for genotype selection in breeding programmes for RLS resistance and for farmers in the frame of integrated disease management under a changing climate.Graphical abstract

Identification of Markers Associated with Wheat Dwarf Virus (WDV) Tolerance/Resistance in Barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) Using Genome-Wide Association Studies.

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) causes an important vector transmitted virus disease, which leads to significant yield losses in barley production. Due to the fact that, at the moment, no plant protection products are approved to combat the vector Psammotettix alienus, and this disease cannot be controlled by chemical means, the use of WDV-resistant or -tolerant genotypes is the most efficient method to control and reduce the negative effects of WDV on barley growth and production. In this study, a set of 480 barley genotypes were screened to identify genotypic differences in response to WDV, and five traits were assessed under infected and noninfected conditions. In total, 32 genotypes showed resistance or tolerance to WDV. Subsequently, phenotypic data of 191 out of 480 genotypes combined with 34,408 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for a genome-wide association study to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and markers linked to resistance/tolerance to WDV. Genomic regions significantly associated with WDV resistance/tolerance in barley were identified on chromosomes 3H, 4H, 5H, and 7H for traits such as relative virus titer, relative performance of total grain weight, plant height, number of ears per plant, and thousand grain weight.

Yield enhancement and grain vis-à-vis malt quality of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes as influenced by clipping and foliar application of zinc

Barley is mostly grown under rainfed condition on poor to marginal soils having deficit soil moisture and zinc (Zn) deficiency, which limits the barley productivity and grain quality. Zn spray could improve the productivity and grain quality in these soils. Therefore, this two-year field study was conducted to assess the influence of barley genotypes and clipping stages vis-à-vis Zn foliar application in barley productivity and grain quality. The experiment consisted of three barley genotypes; DWRUB 52, PL 807, and PL 426 and five clipping management; control, clipping at 50 d after sowing (DAS), clipping at 60 DAS, clipping at 50 DAS and ZnSO4 foliar spray @ 0.5% at anthesis + early milk stages and clipping at 60 DAS and ZnSO4 foliar spray @ 0.5% at anthesis + early milk stages. Barley genotype PL 426 showed in maximum lodging, protein content and yield, grain hardness, and husk content, while, DWRUB 52 gave the highest grain yield, Zn content, starch content, hectoliter weight, and bold grain proportions. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at anthesis + early milk stages significantly enhanced the grain yield of 12.5 and 12.7% with clipping at 50 DAS and 9.0 and 8.8% with clipping to 60 DAS than control crop during the first and second year, respectively. Zn content, protein content and yield, bold grains, and diastatic power were significantly improved over control with these treatments. Zn foliar application in combination with clipping may be opted to maximize the barley productivity, Zn concentration, and grains quality.

Profile of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of organically and conventionally grown black-grain barley genotypes treated with biostimulant.

Beneficial dietary and pro-health values, have resulted in the increasing consumption importance of barley. Therefore, genotypes and cultivation methods are sought that guarantee high functional value of grain. The aim of the study was to assess the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, chlorophylls, anthocyanidins, phytomelanin and antioxidant activity of grain of three barley genotypes depending on agricultural technology. Two of them are primary genotypes with dark grain pigmentation Hordeum vulgare L. var nigricans and H. vulgare L. var. rimpaui, the third is a modern cultivar 'Soldo' H. vulgare with yellow grain, which is the control sample. Evaluated the effect of foliar application of a amino-acids biostimulant on the functional properties of grain under the conditions of organically and conventionally cultivations. The results indicated a higher antioxidant activity and the concentration of phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytomelanin in the black-grain genotypes. Organic cultivation and application of amino acids had increased the content of phenolic compounds in grain. The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of syringic acid, naringenin, quercetin, luteolin and phytomelanin. Organically cultivation and the foliar application of an amino acid biostimulant improved the functional properties of barley grain, in particular the original, black-grained genotypes.

Investigation of Terminal Season Drought Stress effects on Grain Yield and Some Agronomic and Physiological Traits in Promising Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Genotypes

Investigation of Terminal Season Drought Stress effects on Grain Yield and Some Agronomic and Physiological Traits in Promising Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Genotypes

Selection of Promising Genotypes of Barley using the Best Linear Unbiased P Model (BLUP)

Selection of Promising Genotypes of Barley using the Best Linear Unbiased P Model (BLUP)

Investigation of Genetic Diversity and Grouping of Barley Genotypes Based on Indices Related to Grain Yield under Rain-fed and Supplemental Irrigation Conditions

Investigation of Genetic Diversity and Grouping of Barley Genotypes Based on Indices Related to Grain Yield under Rain-fed and Supplemental Irrigation Conditions

Determination of Optimum Gamma Ray Irradiation Doses for Hulless Barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum L. Hook. f.) Genotypes

The limited germplasm resources of hulless barley restrict the breeding of hulless barley with improved traits. Mutation techniques are an effective tool for generating variation for plant breeding studies. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of gamma-ray at different doses on certain seedling properties of M1 plants of two hulless barley genotypes, as well as determine the effective dose (ED50). The seeds of two hulless two-row barley genotypes, cv. Yalin and hulless barley line YAA7050-14, were irradiated with 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 gray Gamma-rays delivered by a Cobalt 60 source along with non-irradiated control samples. Gamma-ray irradiation affects the seedling properties of M1 plants of both hulless barley genotypes significantly. The significant effect varied based on the doses, traits, and genotypes. While lower doses were found statistically identical to the control in the majority of qualities in the M1 generation, 250-300 gray gamma ray doses caused statistically significant decreases in the majority of characteristics studied in both genotypes. The effective doses (ED50) for hulless barley genotypes were determined by plotting growth reduction values of seedling lengths, then the polynomial regression equations were calculated for each genotype. It was determined that 50% growth reduction in shoot length was reached at 214.1 Gy and 253.4 Gy for cv. Yalin and line YAA7050-14, respectively.