Assessment of Malt Barley Genotypes for Grain Yield and Malting Quality Traits in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia

Abstract

A multi-location variety trial was conducted with the objective to identify suitable malt barley varieties that satisfy the malt and brewing industry quality requirements and reduce the cost for importing malt barley. The trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of 28 promising malt barley varieties in seven environments (site-season combinations) during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The phenological and agronomic data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using ‘R’ software.  All the traits analysis showed significant genotype, environment and genotype by environment interaction effects. Genotype, HB 52 X Bahati (G-5) exhibited high mean grain yield (5128 kgha^-1) and significantly different for grain yield from one of the improved checks (Traveller). The other promising genotype, Bekoji-1 X Grace (G-8) showed acceptable malt quality results for extract (81.8 %), protein (10.0 %), friability (85 %) and lower values for beta -glucan (369 mg/l) with comparable grain yield to the improved checks (Traveller, HB1963). Similarly, genotype Sabin X Beka (G-7) showed acceptable malt quality results with lower level of beta-glucan (287mg/l). The “which-won-where” and “Mean vs. Stability” view of GGE biplot showed that, G-5 exhibited high mean grain yield and moderate grain yield stability and is the winner genotype in all test environments. Overall,  G-8 is identified as potential malting barley candidate varieties to be tested for more industrial malt quality traits prior to variety verification  trial  and G-5 can be considered as potential parent in the malt barley crossing program for its good yield potential.

Keywords: ANOVA, GGE biplot, Malt barley, Grain yield, Malt quality and Stability

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-20-01

Publication date:October 31^st 2020