Variation in cicle and initial growth in 19 barley cultivars in two environmentally contrasting years

Abstract

Environmental conditions do affect severely and differentially the growth patterns and the phenology of barley genotypes. Finding genotypes or genotypes groups ablc to maintain a stable performance in stress conditions is very important for breeding.
The phenology and tillering curve of nineteen barley cultivars was analized in two contrasting years. The first year ( 1995) did not present stressing conditions, but during the second (1996) there was severe drought conditions befare anthesis. That conditions caused delay in heading date and shortening of grain filling period, specially in late maturing genotypes. Tiller number was lower during the drought period, with a latter increase. That late tillering was negative in lower production efficiency. Several genotypes (including some previuosly reported as well adapted) were less affected by the drought. There was no association between stability and growth patterns or maturiting type.