Two-rowed Barley Research Articles

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ОЦЕНКИ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ НОВЫХ СОРТОВ ЯРОВОГО ЯЧМЕНЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПРЕДКАМСКОЙ ЗОНЫ РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН

Spring barley is widely cultivated in the Republic of Tatarstan for grain feed and food purposes. Interest in expanding the assortment of this crop is due to the wide range of soil and climatic conditions of the region, which requires a set of highly productive plastic varieties capable of producing stable yields. This paper presents the results of two years of research to assess the productive potential of new varieties of spring barley sold in the Predkamsk zone of the Republic of Tatarstan, and their resistance to root rot. The years of research were characterized by instability of hydrothermal conditions during growing seasons. Genetically and ecologically diverse varieties of Tatarstan, Moscow, Samara selection and the Republic of Belarus were taken for study. It was revealed that the degree of development of helminthosporium infection on spring barley plants is influenced by both year conditions and varietal characteristics. The Cornet resistant and Tevkech varieties showed the least susceptibility to pathogenic infection. On other varieties, the development of root rot exceeded the standard variety by 1.5-2 times. On average, over two years in the Predkamsk zone of Tatarstan, two-row barley Cornet persistent and multi-row barley Tevkech showed consistently high yields, exceeding the standard for grain yield by 21...24%. In 2023, the Kamashevsky, Rafael and Soratnik varieties were also significantly more productive. In terms of the weight of 1000 grains, most varieties exceeded the level of 50 g; the multi-row barley Tevkech (31–35 g) was distinguished by its fine grain, and the grain of the Finist variety (43–45 g) can be classified as medium-sized. Varieties Rafael and Finist showed minimal variability in the 1000 grain weight trait over the years.

Влияние применения различных гуминовых препаратов на формирование урожая и качество зернофуражного ячменя

The results of studies on the effectiveness of seed treatment and plant spraying with various humic preparations on spring grain feed barley are presented. The objectives of the research included assessing the effect of various humic preparations on productivity, disease resistance and grain quality of spring barley under various methods of their application (seed treatment, plant spraying, seed treatment + plant spraying). The objects of research were spring two-row barley of the Raushan variety. Humic preparations Bigus and Gumat +7 were used. The research was carried out in 2022-2023 on gray forest, medium loamy soil. In 2022, moisture conditions during the growing season were favorable; in 2023, periodic severe drought events were observed. The use of humic preparations led to a decrease in the development of both leaf diseases (dark brown spot) and root rot. The drug Bigus Extra had a more pronounced effect on reducing the damage to plants by root rot. The use of humic preparations had a positive effect on the length of the stem and ear of barley. The maximum values of the stem length were when using seed treatment and spraying crops with Bigus Extra, and the greatest length of the ear was when using Gumi+7. The use of humic preparations increases the yield of spring barley from 11 to 27.8%. When using only seed treatment or only spraying of crops, Bigus Extra had an advantage in yield, and when using a combination – seed treatment + plant treatment Humat +7. The highest yield of spring barley (27.8% more than in the control) was obtained using a scheme in which seeds and plants were treated with Humate +7. The use of seed treatment followed by spraying of plants led to an increase in the protein content of barley grain. The use of humic preparations in which they are used for pre-sowing seed treatment and subsequently for spraying crops (twice) was optimal for spring barley.

Nomenclatural standards of spring barley cultivars bred by the Volga Scientific Research Institute of Selection and Seed-Growing named after P.N. Konstantinov

The article discusses the cultivars of spring two-row barley ‘Povolzhsky 22’, ‘Povolzhsky 49’, ‘Povolzhsky Yantar’, and ‘Povolzhsky Priz’ bred by the Volga Scientific Research Institute of Selection and Seed-Growing named after P.N. Konstantinov, a branch of the Samara Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The article describes the morphological, biological and economic characteristics of the cultivars. To prepare herbarium specimens of nomenclatural standards, plant material of cultivars ‘Povolzhsky 22’, ‘Povolzhsky 49’, and ‘Povolzhsky Yantar’ was used. These cultivars are represented by one herbarium sheet each and duplicated by 2, 1 and 3 sheets, respectively. A herbarium specimen of cultivar ‘Povolzhsky Priz’ has also been prepared, although State Variety Testing of the cultivar was not completed in 2023. This herbarium specimen will be registered as the nomenclatural standard of the cultivar when the latter will be included in the State Register.All herbarium specimens include whole plants at the milky ripeness stage, ears at the waxy ripeness stage, and grain samples. Appropriate plants were collected in Pushkin, in the fields of the “Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories of VIR” (St. Petersburg), and ears and grains were obtained from the Volga Scientific Research Institute of Selection and Seed-Growing named after P.N. Konstantinov (Samara Province).All materials used for preparing herbarium specimens of a cultivar are the offspring of plants obtained as a result of individual family selection. Herbarium specimens of nomenclatural standards, their duplicates and herbarium specimens of cultivar ‘Povolzhsky Priz’ were prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants (ICNCP), registered in the VIR Herbarium database and transferred to the Herbarium of Cultivated Plants of the World, their Wild Relatives and Weeds (WIR) at the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources.

Phenotypic characterization of two-row barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ssp. vulgare) germplasm conserved in Osman Tosun Genebank of Türkiye by multivariate analysis model

AbstractBarley is a crucial cereal crop with a diverse genetic heritage that includes landraces-traditionally cultivated variants that have adapted to varying agro-climatic conditions over centuries. Preserving barley landraces in genebanks is of utmost importance for safeguarding genetic diversity and aiding future breeding endeavors.This study aims an agro-morphological characterization of a selected collection of two row barley landraces conserved in the Osman Tosun Genebank. A total of 262 barley accessions were assessed in controlled field conditions to analyze various agro-morphological traits. The study unveiled notable disparities in the morphological traits of the genotypes, specifically in flag leaf anthocyanin, flag leaf sheath wax, spike shape, spike density, lemma color, grain color, lodging tendency, days to 50% flowering, plant height, spike length, spikelet quantity, and thousand grain weight, among other critical agronomical characteristics. To scrutinize the morphological disparities, the research utilized principal component analysis and ascertained that nearly 77.22% of the overall variance was accounted for by the first two principal components. The first four principal components accounted for 90.96% of the total variation, thus indicating significant genetic diversity among genotypes. The results of the cluster analysis revealed the presence of diverse genetic resources within the collection, with distinct groups of genotypes exhibiting similar traits being identified. The results of the agro-morphological characterization are a valuable resource for researchers and breeders, aiding them in making informed decisions regarding the management and application of barley landraces in breeding programs.

Patterns of the Predicted Mutation Burden in 19,778 Domesticated Barley Accessions Conserved Ex Situ.

Long-term conservation of more than 7 million plant germplasm accessions in 1750 genebanks worldwide is a challenging mission. The extent of deleterious mutations present in conserved germplasm and the genetic risk associated with accumulative mutations are largely unknown. This study took advantage of published barley genomic data to predict sample-wise mutation burdens for 19,778 domesticated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions conserved ex situ. It was found that the conserved germplasm harbored 407 deleterious mutations and 337 (or 82%) identified deleterious alleles were present in 20 (or 0.1%) or fewer barley accessions. Analysis of the predicted mutation burdens revealed significant differences in mutation burden for several groups of barley germplasm (landrace > cultivar (or higher burden estimate in landrace than in cultivar); winter barley > spring barley; six-rowed barley > two-rowed barley; and 1000-accession core collection > non-core germplasm). Significant differences in burden estimate were also found among seven major geographical regions. The sample-wise predicted mutation burdens were positively correlated with the estimates of sample average pairwise genetic difference. These findings are significant for barley germplasm management and utilization and for a better understanding of the genetic risk in conserved plant germplasm.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF VARIOUS GRAIN CROPS

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF VARIOUS GRAIN CROPS

Barley varieties registered in the Slovak Republic after the harvest of 2023

After the harvest 2023, three varieties were registered in the Slovak Republic after three years of testing: the spring barley variety LG Rhapsody, the two-row winter barley variety Claudia, and the six-row winter barley variety MH Irén. The malting quality was determined for the varieties LG Rhapsody and Claudia. LG Rhapsody gave extract in malt dry matter of 83.2%. Proteolytic modification of this variety was high (Kolbach index 52.3%). The diastatic power (343 WK), the quality of the sweet wort (apparent final attenuation 82.1%), and the cytolytic modification (friability 94% and β-glucan content 60 mg/l) were at an optimal level. In all cases, the variety gave a clear sweet wort. The winter two-row barley variety Claudia gave a sweet wort with an extract of 81.5%. Kolbach index (46.2%) and diastatic power (508 WK) were at optimal levels. The quality of the sweet wort (apparent final attenuation 80.5%) and the cytolytic modification (friability 83% and β-glucan content of the wort 169 mg/l) were at an average level.

Nomenclatural standard of barley cultivar ‘Talovsky 9’

The nomenclatural standard of spring two-row barley cultivar ‘Talovsky 9’, bred by the Federal Government Budgetory Scientific Institution "Voronezh Federal Agricultural Scientific Centre named after V.V. Dokuchaev" (FGBSI "Voronezh FASC named after V.V. Dokuchaev") former V.V. Dokuchaev Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture of the Central Black Earth Zone was created.The pedigree of the 'Talovsky 9' barley cultivar includes the ‘Pervenets’ and ‘Donetsk 8’ cultivars, highly resistant to smut, and highly resistant to root rot cultivars the ‘Donetsk 8’ and ‘Preriya’. Cultivar ‘Talovsky 9’ was selected by the method of stepwise hybridization between productive and drought-resistant cultivars ‘Pervenets’, ‘Donetsk 8’, ‘Prairie’, followed by individual selection from the hybrid population F3. The barley cultivar 'Talovsky 9' is zoned in Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk and Tambov regions within the Central Black Earth region and was included in the State Register, State Register code 9610219 in 2007 (State Register…, 2023).The herbarium specimen of the nomenclatural standard of cultivar ‘Talovsky 9’ is presented on one herbarium sheet and has 2 sheets of doublet. All sheets contain entire plants in a state of milk stage collected at the Research and Production Base “Pushkin and Pavlovsk laboratories of the VIR”, ripe inflorescences and grains collected at the Voronezh Federal Agricultural Scientific Centre named after V.V. Dokuchaev. All specimens for the herbaria are plants grown from the same seeds generation.The nomenclatural standard was prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants (ICNCP), registered in the VIR Herbarium database and were processed and accessioned to the Herbarium WIR.

Genome-wide association studies reveal novel loci for grain size in two-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

SNP-based and InDel-based GWAS on multi-environment data identified genomic regions associated with barley grain size. Barley yield and quality are greatly influenced by grain size. Improving barley grain size in breeding programs requires knowledge of genetic loci and alleles in germplasm resources. In this study, a collection of 334 worldwide two-rowed barley accessions with extensive genetic diversity was evaluated for grain size including grain length (GL), grain width (GW), and thousand-grain weight (TGW) across six independent field trials. Significant differences were observed in genotype and environments for all measured traits. SNP- and InDel-based GWAS were applied to dissect the genetic architecture of grain size with an SLAF-seq strategy. Two approaches using the FarmCPU model revealed 38 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) with PVE ranging from 0.01% to 20.68%. Among these MTAs, five were on genomic regions where no previously reported QTL for grain size. Superior alleles of TGW-associated SNP233060 and GL-associated InDel11006 exhibited significantly higher levels of phenotype. The significant MTAs could be used in marker-assisted selection breeding.

Anatomical insights into the vascular layout of the barley rachis: implications for transport and spikelet connection.

Vascular patterning is intimately related to plant form and function. Here, using barley (Hordeum vulgare) as a model, we studied the vascular anatomy of the spike-type inflorescence. The main aim of the present work was to clarify the relationship between rachis (spike axis) vasculature and spike size, to define vascular dynamics and to discuss the implications for transport capacity and its interaction with the spikelets. We used serial transverse internode sections to determine the internode area, vascular area and number of veins along the rachis of several barley lines. Internode area and total vascular area show a clear positive correlation with spike size, whereas the number of veins is only weakly correlated. The lateral periphery of the rachis contains large mature veins of constant size, whereas the central part is occupied by small immature veins. Spikelet-derived veins entering the rachis often merge with the immature rachis veins but never merge with the mature veins. An increase in floret fertility through the conversion of a two-rowed barley into an isogenic six-rowed line, in addition to a decrease in floret fertility owing to enhanced pre-anthesis tip degeneration caused by the mutation tip sterile 2.b (tst2.b), significantly affected vein size but had limited to no effects on the number of veins or internode area. The rachis vasculature is the result of a two-step process involving an initial layout followed by size adjustment according to floret fertility/spike size. The restriction of large mature vessels to the periphery and that of small immature vessels to the centre of the rachis suggests that long-distance transport and local supply to spikelets are spatially separated processes. The identification of spikelet-derived veins entering the rachis without fusing with its vasculature indicates that a vascular continuity between rachis and spikelets might be non-essential.

Interpreting the Interaction of Genotype with Environmental Factors in Barley Using Partial Least Squares Regression Model

Genotype by environment interaction (GEI) is a complex problem that complicates the barley selection and breeding process. The knowledge of the relationship between cereal phenology and climatic data is important for understanding GEI and the physiological pathways responsible for the interaction effect. The grain yield of twenty winter barley genotypes in six environments was observed. Factors influencing the variability were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was applied to determine the most relevant environmental variables in certain stages of development that explained GEI effects. Biplot with environmental variables explained 43.7% of the GEI. The barley was generally the most sensitive to the environmental conditions (relative humidity, maximum temperature and its variation, sun hours, and precipitation) during the anthesis and filling stage (May) which caused GEI. Temperature variables did not show significance only in the vegetative phase. Different genotypes responded differently to environmental factors. Genotypes NS-525, NS-589, and J-103 were highlighted as widely adaptable, and Zaječar was a suitable and reliable location for yield testing. The GEI information presented in this paper can be useful in traditional plant breeding and future breeding programs through molecular research of crop developmental genes and examination of physiological processes in two-row barley.

New genetic diversity of winter two-row barley lines resistant to Loose smut Ustilago nuda (Jensen) Rostrup

The creation of resistant barley cultivars leads to reduction in direct yield losses and limits the accumulation of infection in crops. Studies of new genetic plasma make it possible to find forms that can serve as starting material for the creation of a future disease-resistant cultivar. In the period 2012/2014, in competitive variety experiments, perspective lines of winter two-row barley resistant to loose smut (Ustilago nuda (Jensen) Rostrup) were studied. The experiment was based on the method of the Latin rectangle, with a plot of 10 sq m, in four repetitions, with standards Obzor, Emon and Kaskadyor 3. The yield was reported and the results were statistically processed. Grain quality was determined on the basis of the following indicators: 1000-grain weight (g) by weight method, uniformity 1st class (%), expressed as the ratio of the weight of grains remaining on sorting sieves 2.8 mm wide and 2.5 mm to the total weight in a sample of 100 g, protein content (%) (Kjeldahl method), extract content (%) according to EBC (1998). The relationship between grain yield and quality in perspective lines resistant to loose smut (Ustilago nuda (Jensen) Rostrup) was studied by correlation and principle component analysis using software SPSS 19.0 and Statgraf 2.1. As a result, winter barley lines resistant to loose smut (Ustilago nuda (Jensen) Rostrup) were created. Perspective lines PG 4480, PG 4447 and PG 4628 combine resistance to loose smut (Ustilago nuda (Jensen) Rostrup), high productivity and grain quality. They can be successfully used in the barley breeding program as parent components for creating new cultivars.

ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ БИОПРЕПАРАТОВ НА ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ УРОЖАЯ ЯРОВОГО ЯЧМЕНЯ

The results of field researches on the experimental fields of the Agrobiotechnopark of KSAU conducted in 2020-2022 are given. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of double treatment during the growing season with various biological preparations on the formation of the crop and the quality of spring barley grain. The objectives of the research included studying the nature of changes in the biometric parameters of plants, leaf surface area, yield and protein content in grain when using a biofungicide and biofertilizer. The variety of spring two-row barley Kamashevsky was the object of research. Biopreparations were studied - biofungicide Orgamica S (biological agent - Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and biofertilizer Organit P (biological agent - Bacillus megaterium). The treatment was carried out twice during the growing season - in the tillering phase and in the earing phase with a working fluid flow rate of 200 l/ha. The preparations were used separately and as part of a tank mixture. The studies were carried out on a gray forest highly cultivated soil. The agro-climatic conditions of vegetation during the years of the study varied significantly. In 2021, soil-air drought was noted, and in 2020, and especially in 2022, the moisture conditions were favorable for the growth and development of spring barley plants. It has been established that the treatment of spring barley crops with biological preparations contributes to an increase in the length of the ear, stems and roots. This effect was especially significant when using a biofertilizer in the tillering phase, and a biofungicide during the heading of barley. The use of all treatment schemes with biological preparations showed an increase in the area of spring barley leaves and, at the same time, the development of root rots of the crop decreased by an average of 50%. The greatest increase in yield (by 0.56 t/ha), the maximum protein content in the grain and the best profitability indicators were obtained using a treatment scheme in which Organit biofertilizer was used during the tillering period, and Orgamica S biofungicide during the heading period. Especially significant positive effect from treatment with biological preparations was in the conditions of a well-moistened 2022, but even in the conditions of a drought in 2021, treatment with biological preparations showed high efficiency.

A Labor-Saving Fertilization Method Omitting Top Dressing at the Panicle Formation Stage Utilizing Controlled Release Fertilizer in Two-Rowed Barley for Food

A Labor-Saving Fertilization Method Omitting Top Dressing at the Panicle Formation Stage Utilizing Controlled Release Fertilizer in Two-Rowed Barley for Food

Experimental Modeling of the Influence of Mineral Nutrition Conditions on Spring Two-Row Barley Plants under Light Culture Conditions

Experimental Modeling of the Influence of Mineral Nutrition Conditions on Spring Two-Row Barley Plants under Light Culture Conditions

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.

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.

The introduction history of Hordeum vulgare var. nudum (naked barley) into Fennoscandia

Hordeum vulgare var. nudum (naked barley) is one of the oldest and most common cereals found from Neolithic Fennoscandia. After the Bronze Age, naked barley largely disappeared and was replaced by Hordeum vulgare var. vulgare (hulled barley) and other cereals. During the early 19th century, naked barley of Asian origins was reintroduced to Fennoscandia. In this study, we have genetically characterized samples of Fennoscandian landraces of naked barley which were preserved in gene banks and museum collections. The analyses show that the Fennoscandian naked barley can be split into three groups: First, naked two-row barley, with a likely origin in Asia; second, naked six-row barley, with a likely origin in the eastern Himalayas and introduced during the 19th century; third, naked six-row barley genetically related to the original Fennoscandian hulled barley. The results suggest that this last group represents the ancient form of naked barley, which was possibly introduced in the Neolithic. At that time both naked and hulled barleys were grown and enough gene flow probably occurred between these two subspecies to create a Fennoscandian barley that is genetically distinct, irrespective of whether it is hulled or naked. This hypothesis was further supported by genotyping of the Nud gene, which is responsible for the naked phenotype. All naked barleys which we studied contained the same mutation allele, nud1.a, thus showing that naked Fennoscandian barley arose by crossings between naked and hulled barley and not by new mutations of hulled barley.

Genomic prediction of agronomic and malting quality traits in six-rowed winter barley

While two-rowed barley is usually preferred for malting and beer-making, six-rowed malting barley varieties appeared in Europe around 30 years ago, and several breeders have dedicated improvement programs on this specific germplasm. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of genomic prediction for yield and malting related traits using 679 breeding lines from two French barley breeders, as well as a set of recently registered varieties. These lines were evaluated in five locations and two harvest years in an unbalanced design. Although the germplasm from the two breeders does show some trend towards differentiation, globally the whole panel did not show a clear-cut genetic structure. Predictive ability of GBLUP was evaluated through random cross-validation within and across breeder sets, and using cross-prediction between breeder sets. Results show moderate to high predictive ability (PA), particularly for malt friability and β-glucan content, for which predictive ability of 0.8 was obtained with training populations as small as 105 registered varieties and across breeding sets. The long range of useful linkage disequilibrium in this particular germplasm allows using as few as 2000 to 5000 markers to obtain high PA. Other prediction methods such as Bayesian LASSO, Bayes Cpi or EGBLUP did not improve predictive ability. These results are very encouraging for implementing genomic prediction of malting quality traits in applied breeding programs.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Uptake Efficiency and Crop Productivity of Two-Rowed Barley under Different Crop Production Systems.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) constitute a ubiquitous group of soil microorganisms, affecting plant and soil microorganism growth. Various crop management practices can have a significant impact on the AM association. This study investigated the AMF inoculation contribution on growth and productivity of two-rowed barley crop by identifying the underlying mechanisms both in conventional and organic cropping systems. A two-year field trial was set up as a split-plot design with 2 main plots [AMF inoculation: with (AMF+) and without (AMF-)] and five sub-plots (fertilization regimes: untreated, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer in organic and inorganic form, and 60% recommended dose of fertilizer in organic and inorganic form) in three replications. According to the results, AMF+ plants presented higher plant height and leaf area index (LAI), resulting in increased biomass and, as a result, higher seed yield. With regard to the quality traits, including the nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and their utilization indices, the AMF inoculated plants showed higher values. Furthermore, the level of fertilization, particularly in an inorganic form, adversely affected AMF root colonization. Consequently, it was concluded that substitution of inorganic inputs by organic, as well as inputs reduction, when combined with AMF inoculation, can produce excellent results, thus making barley crop cultivation sustainable in Mediterranean climates.