Grain quality of mutant lines of six-rowed barley

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of this study was to assess the variation in grain quality traits among mutant lines of winter feed barley. Nine mutant lines derived from the advanced breeding line Kt3029 and 10 mutant lines derived from variety GA-Luttrell along with their parent forms were evaluated. The study was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture – Karnobat during the period 2015-2017. Test weight, 1000-grain weight, the content of protein, starch, lysine, fat, ash, and fibre were determined. Significant differences between the mutant lines and the parent forms for the studied traits were observed. Significantly higher protein content compared to parent was found in the grain of mutant lines 22/1-5, 22/2-10 and 22/1-12 from line Kt3029 and 26/1-1, 26/1-3 and 26/2-11 from variety GA-Luttrell. The grain of mutant line 26/2-12 had the best combination of protein and starch. Mutant lines 22/1-11 and 22/1-12 from Kt3029 and 26/1-1, 26/2-1 and 26/2-12 from variety GA-Luttrell showed a good combination between protein content and 1000-grain weight. Those mutant lines can be included in the breeding program for the development of varieties with improved feed quality.