Evaluation of seven barley genotypes under water stress conditions
¹Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Crop Science, Laboratory of Agronomy, Iera Odos 75, GR11855 Athens, Greece
²Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Crop Science, Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Iera Odos 75, GR11855 Athens, Greece
*Correspondence: dimdoulfi@yahoo.gr
Abstract:
The evaluation of seven barley genotypes under water stress conditions using drought tolerance indices was investigated during two agronomical seasons in the experimental field of Agricultural University of Athens in Greece. The experimental design was a split-plot layout in four blocks. Four different levels of irrigation were implemented, with the method of escalated distance from the source of water (drip irrigation line). The experimental plots were protected from rain since the experiment was conducted under a rainout shelter. Measurements of water potential index of the plants were conducted, as well as stomatal resistance and stomatal resistance index of leaves, and grain yield of genotypes. A decrease in water potential index (15–25%) and grain yield (35–54%) was observed in all genotypes as soil moisture decreased. On the other hand, stomatal resistance and stomatal resistance index (26–69%) of leaves increased. Grain yield had a strong relationship with the indices of water potential and stomatal resistance of leaves. Grain yield of all genotypes is affected under water stress conditions, with the six-rowed genotypes being more adaptive than the two-rowed ones. It can be concluded that indices of water potential and stomatal resistance of leaves can be effectively used in the evaluation of genotypes under water stress conditions.
Key words:
drought tolerance, grain yield, stomatal resistance index, water potential index