Abstract

Genetic variability within available germplasm of barley is essential to initiate and sustain genetic improvement of barley using plant breeding methods. Field experiments were conducted during rabi 2007–08, 2008–09 and 2009–10 with the aim of estimating variation in the germplasm and also to generate information on associations of yield components and their direct and indirect influence on the grain yield of barley. Thirty-four accessions were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results showed that there were significant genotypic differences for seed yield per plant, 100-seed weight, number of spikelets per spike, number of seeds per spike, spike length, plant height and days to 50% flowering in all the three years. Broad sense heritability estimates were high ranging from 0.55 for days to 50% flowering to 0.73 for 100-seed yield. Number of spikelets per spike, number of seeds per spike, spike length and days to 50% flowering exhibited positive and significant correlation with seed yield. Number of seeds per spike, number of spikelets per spike, 100-seed weight, number of days to 50% flowering and plant height and spike length had exerted positive and direct effects on seed yield.