MART-AZR Project Research Report 60: Selection of Barley Lines Suitable for Spring Sowing in the Arid Highlands of Balochistan

Abstract

Barley experiments were conducted for three years at multi-locational test sites in highland Balochistan ranging from 1750 to 2250m elevation in order to evaluate barley lines suitable for spring planting. Such lines have to have characteristics of enhanced drought tolerance. short maturity and sustained yield to be successful under the harsh environmental conditions experienced in highland Balochistan. Selection parameters such as. erect growth habit. low tillering. high kernel weight. high harvest index and tolerance to heat and terminal drought stresses have been found to be associated with more consistent grain yield in spring-sown barley in the variable environments of the highlands. One line. W12291/W12269. has been selected after three years of testing as it was found to be more tolerant to environmental stresses and gave higher grain yields than the local barley landrace under dry conditions.