Multivariate Analysis of Malt Barley Genotypes for Different Malt Quality and Agronomic Traits in Ethiopia

Abstract

Barley is one of the widely grown cereal crop in the highlands of Ethiopia. Twenty five malt barley genotypes were evaluated using a 5 × 5 simple lattice design at Holetta, Bekoji, Debreberhan and Kofele locations to group tested malt barley genotypes, to characterize traits that contribute to total variability and to determine genetic variability among malt barley genotypes.  The tested genotypes showed significant variation for all eleven agronomic and malt quality traits considered in this experiment. The candidate genotype (IBON-HI 118/2016) showed relatively better  malt quality and agronomic performance. The first three principal components (PCs) contributes 85% total variability. Days to heading, maturity and malt quality traits (protein, extract and friability), plant height and grain yield contribute chiefly for 50%  percent variability explained by PC 1. Based on cluster analysis the tested genotypes grouped into three clusters (C) consisted of 15 (C-I), 8 (C-II) and 2 (C-III) genotypes. C-I contain genotypes which had relatively better grain yield. Whereas, C-II consists of barley genotypes with better malt qualities. Thus, crossing among genotypes from these two clusters could give better genetic recombination for important malt quality and agronomic traits.

Keywords: Cluster analysis, genetic variability, principal component

DOI: 10.7176/ALST/85-03

Publication date: January 31^st 2021