Genetic Divergence in Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled, "Genetic divergence in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)" Involving thirty genotypes was undertaken to examine the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence. All the thirty genotypes of barley were tested in randomized block design with 3 replications during rabi 2011-12. Observations were recorded for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height (em), number of tiller per plant, duration of reproductive phase, length of spike (em), number of grain per spike, 1000-grain weight (g), biological yield per plant (g), grain yield per Plant (g) and harvest index (%). Analysis of variance revealed substantial amount of variability for all the characters, indicating wide spectrum of variation among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for number of tillers per plant, length of spike, number of grain per spike, biological yield per plant and grain yield per plant. showing the influence of additive gene action on these traits. hence, may be useful for effective selection. Correlation and path analysis indicated that effective improvement in seed yield may be obtained by harvest index, length of spike, 1 000-grain weight, number of tillers per plant, number of grain per spike and biological yield per plant also can be considered as guidelines for further breeding work. Genotype from the same geographical region fell into different clusters and vice-versa. This suggested that selections of parents for hybridization should be on genetic diversity rather than on the geographical areas. Grain yield per plant, number of grain per spike, biological yield per plant, 1 000-grain weight, plant height, harvest index contributed most towards divergence. Divergence study suggested that crosses involving· genotypes like RD2851, RD2668, K1185, DRWB105 and DWRUB64 with RD2855, PL967 for getting desired segregants from breeding point of view.