Variation in nitrogen accumulation in grain and leaf in spring barley genotypes

Abstract

Requirements of barley grain protein concentration vary depending on the end‐use purpose of the grain. High protein levels are desired for high‐quality feed and food, whereas relatively low protein levels are preferred for malting. The current study evaluated variation of grain protein concentration and nitrogen (N) concentration in flag leaves among barley genotypes with diverse backgrounds. A panel of 79 spring barley genotypes was grown in field experiments under well‐watered and drought‐stressed conditions over two growing seasons. In each water regime, variation in flag leaf N concentration (only under drought‐stressed conditions), grain protein concentration, grain yield and other agronomic parameters was found among genotypes. Based on grain protein and flag leaf N concentration, four broad genotype categories were found: high values for both, low values for both, low grain protein with high flag leaf N and high grain protein with low flag leaf N. This grouping suggests variation in N remobilization from vegetative tissues to grain. Germplasm identified in the present study will enable further study of the mechanisms regulating protein accumulation in barley and contribute to the development of barley germplasm for various end uses.

Deficit irrigation effects on adjunct and all‐malt barley yield and quality

“…Protein content is particularly susceptible to negative effects as water stress results in less N dilution in the grain due to yield accumulation, and thus, increased protein that is detrimental to malting (Jahromi et al, 2022;Rogers et al, 2022;Stevens et al, 2015;Walsh et al, 2020). Additionally, genotype variation in grain protein under full and water-stressed conditions has been measured (Liang et al, 2022). A recent study reported results from 3-years on barley grown in Spain using drip irrigation that determined application rates based on a modeling approach developed for the crop and region (Pardo et al, 2020(Pardo et al, , 2022.…”

Small Stomates and Xylem Vessels Associated With Freeze Tolerance in Winter Barley

“…Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a high-yielding crop for multiple end-use purposes, such as food, feed, malt and biofuels (Baik and Ullrich 2008;Griffey et al 2010;Liang et al 2022). However, barley's relatively weak winter hardiness is a critical limitation to increasing grain yield and expanding production acreage of winter barley in areas with cold winters like Idaho.…”

“…2010; Liang et al. 2022). However, barley's relatively weak winter hardiness is a critical limitation to increasing grain yield and expanding production acreage of winter barley in areas with cold winters like Idaho.…”