Genetic diversity for malting quality in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

Genetic diversity for malting quality was studied on a set of 131 barley genotypes of indigenous and exotic origin representing both two and six row types. Observations were recorded on seven grain and seven malt traits. The study revealed that lot of variability exists in material for all malting quality traits. It was also observed that in general two-row barleys have better malting quality. Sources for different quality traits were identified for use as donors in breeding programme. The clustering analysis revealed four major clusters amongst the genotypes with varying standards for quality traits. The non hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis indicated that genotypes with very good malting quality were grouped in one cluster. Clustering pattern based on Ward’s minimum variance method also revealed four major discrete clusters among the genotypes studied