Features of grain productivity formation in promising barley varieties in Northern Trans-Ural

Abstract

Promising selection samples of spring barley were evaluated as to grain productivity in the final stage of the breeding process at the competitive variety trial nursery over 8 (2008-2015) years of studies. Investigations were carried out in the northern forest steppe of Tyumen Region, Northern Trans-Ural. The analysis of crop productivity showed that it largely depended on both growing conditions and varietal characteristics of the material studied. It should be noted that productivity of a single plant contributed significantly to total crop productivity. There is shown relationship between productivity and its structure elements, and their role in the grain yield formation depending on growing conditions. The productive haulm stand and productive tillering capacity had, in most cases, a positive effect on the grain yield formation. The completeness of coming-ups with satisfactory warmth and moisture availability during the first half of growing season played a positive role. The number of surviving plants by the harvest had a significant effect on the yield under favorable conditions of the second half of growing season. With sufficient moisture availability during the period of grain formation and development, close positive correlation with thousand-kernel weight was found. The length of growing season as a whole and interphase periods was found to influence grain productivity and its formation elements. The lengthening of the first (sprouting-earing) interphase period positively influenced the formation of grain yield under conditions of optimum warmth and moisture availability. The lengthening of the earing-wax ripeness period had, in most cases, a negative impact on grain productivity. There was established relationship between the length of interphase periods and yield structure elements. A comparative evaluation of new spring barley varieties (Zenit, Abalak) as to grain productivity is given; features of grain yield formation are shown.