IDENTIFICATION OF HIGH YIELDING AND STABLE BARLEY GENOTYPES THROUGH FIELD PHENOTYPING IN MULTI LOCATION TRIALS AND MOLECULAR APPROACHES

Abstract

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a nutrient rich cereal and there is a limited number of cultivars available in Bangladesh. The study was aimed to analyze high yielding stable genotypes by genotypes environment interactions (GEI) and to locate the unique genotype by deploying molecular characterization. To get a reliable stable genotype, rather than relying on a single analysis, employing a combination of methods to measure the nature of the GEI in various dimensions is often more effective. We investigated GEI using parametric and non-parametric stability statistics including multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI), additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), and GGE. Nine barley genotypes comprised of six exotic lines and three Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) released varieties were evaluated in a randomized complete block design across three locations (Dinajpur, Rangpur and Panchagarh) during the rabi season of 2022-2023. Various parametric and nonparametric stability statistics were calculated using a web-based STABILITYSOFT program. Based on the analysis, EEB_450, BARI Barley-7 and EEB_91 identified as superior and high yielding genotypes. The additive effects analysis of AMMI model revealed significant effects of genotype, environment, and GEI on number of grains per spike (NGPS), yield per plant (YPP) and yield per plot (YPPLOT). EEB_450 and EEB_91 for NGPS, EEB_18 and EEB_152 for YPP, and EEB_450 and EEB_91 for YPPLOT emerged as stable genotypes with optimal performance according to the AMMI model. The likelihood ratio test indicated significant effects of genotype and GEI all studied traits. Regarding NGPS, YPP and YPPLOT, EEB_450, BARI Barley-7 and BARI Barley-9 had high best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) value and were identified as suitable genotypes. The GGE biplot method determined the most favorable location for specific genotypes. Among three experimental locations, Panchagarh was identified as the superior environment for barley cultivation with EEB_450 being the top performing genotype considering all traits. Using the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI), EEB_450, BARI Barley-7 and BARI Barley-9 were deemed the most ideal genotypes. Analysis of genetic variation using SSR markers, the genotype EEB_450 revealed phenotypically stable and showed variations with the BARI released check varieties BARI Barley-7, BARI Barley-8 and BARI Barley-9. Therefore, EEB_450 is recommended as a superior performing genotype in three locations and can be released as a variety in Bangladesh. The combination of multi-location trials and molecular approaches facilitates the identification and selection of high yielding, stable barley genotypes with desirable agronomic traits. This integrated approach enhances the efficiency and precision of barley breeding programs, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural productivity and food security.