Pre- and postheading growth rate and its association with grain yield in barley.

Abstract

Preheading and postheading growth rates, grain yield and other traits were evaluated in 5 cultivars grown at 2 sites in Wisconsin (Madison in 1985 and Arlington in 1985 and 1986). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Significant differences were observed among cultivars in preheading and postheading growth rates and DM accumulation. Correlation coefficients for growth rate at maturity and postheading growth rate with grain yield were highly significant (r = 0.93 and 0.79, respectively). Robust produced the highest grain yield (363.1 g/msuperscript 2). There were significant differences among cultivars in harvest index which was also correlated with grain yield (r = 0.41). Thus, differences in preheading and postheading growth traits among barley cultivars are highly associated with yield and may be useful for grain yield improvement. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)