Improvement in Brazilian barley breeding: Changes in developmental phases and ecophysiological traits

Abstract

Despite recognizing the importance of genetic improvement in the production of barley grains, little information is available on the contribution of phenological development to the genetic improvement of Brazilian barley. Field experiments were carried out between 2011 to 2013, in the absence of biotic and abiotic stresses and with preventive lodging control. Five two-rowed spring barley cultivars, released between 1968 and 2008, were evaluated. Although there was no significant association in the cycle length (Emergence - Anthesis) of the cultivars with the year of release, the genetic improvement increased the proportion of the Doble ridge - Maximum number of spikelet primordia/Maximum number of spikelet primordia - anthesis period to the total time to anthesis. The period between DR-MNP was increased in modern cultivars, to the detriment of the Doble ridge - Maximum number of spikelet primordia period. However, the duration of the period between emergences to the double ridge (vegetative phase) was not altered in the analyzed period. Barley breeding in Brazil did not change the total number of leaves on the main stem but caused an increase in the number of leaves earlier in the development, favoring the high level of tillering. The leaf architecture of modern barley was altered towards a more vertical inclination (erectophilic canopy), allowing the penetration of photosynthetically active radiation into the crop canopy.

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“…Additionally, the cytokinin-degrading enzyme HvCKX3 is directly regulated by HvMADS1 to integrate temperature response and cytokinin homeostasis, which are necessary to inhibit meristem cell cycle/division [137]. Moreover, barley production was improved by changing the modern barley leaf architecture to have a greater vertical inclination (electrophilic canopy) so that photosynthetically active radiation could enter the crop canopy [138]. Other research showed that in order to maximize yield production in challenging environmental conditions, proper timing of plant development is essential, and the use of wild barley genes could boost grain yield formation.…”