Poljoprivreda (Dec 2005)
EFFECTS OF SELECTION FOR SHORT STEM ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS IN BARLEY
Abstract
This investigation deals with the effects of selection for short stem in population lines of the F4 generation derived from the barley cross between Timura x Osk. 4.208´2-84 developed by the single seed descent and pedigree method. Direct genetic gain from reducing the stem length was found to be 10.22 % at dense planting (400 kernels/m2) and 11.47 % at wide-spaced planting (100 kernels/m2). It was found that stem length had relatively high heritability (0.643 and 0.735). Large negative effects of reducing the stem length at wide-spaced and dense planting were estimated for the grain yield per plant, grain yield per plot and number of fertile tillers. Less pronounced negative effects were found for the grain weight per spike and grain number per spike. Phenotypic and genotypic correlations between stem length and other traits were mostly significant and positive with higher values at dense planting. Selection for a short stem length was efficient for the improvement of this trait. However, unfavorable correlations have significantly affected undesired expression of other traits, especially grain yield per plant, grain yield per plot and number of fertile tillers. Any further decrease of plant height should be accompanied by the appropriate selection for other traits, especially grain yield per plant, mass of one grain and harvest index.
