Evaluation of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Landrace Populations Originating from Different Growing Regions in the Near East*

Abstract

This study characterizes barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm that evolved under continuous cultivation in highly drought-prone areas of the Near East. Landrace population:) originating from 70 locations in Syria and Jordan were evaluated under field conditions in Tel Hadia, Syria, on the basis of single head-row progeny performance. Significant genetic variation was found for all traits recorded: seed colour, kernel row number, growth habit, awn barbing, days to heading, culm length, leaf widths, awn length, early growth vigour, lodging score, and mildew resistance.

For most traits, large proportions oi the total variation were found between head progenies tvhh.in single populations. The qualitative traits, growth habit, seed colour, and awn barbing showed higher variation indices in populations originating from the drier regions of Syria. Populations from the drier regions headed slightly earlier, had narrower leaves, longer culms and tended to be more susceptible to lodging and mildew than populations originating in the higher rainfall areas in Syria.

For all traits, the variance components resulting from differences among populations within a particular growing region, as well as those among populations from differences regions, were highly significant. This indicates that this germplasm stock contains materials with adaptability to these diverse growing conditions. The variability present within populations, as well 25 that among populations with similar adaptability, is sufficient to allow successful election for productivity-related traits.