Photosynthetic and Agronomic Traits of Winter Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties

Abstract

We tested six winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars in a small plot field experiment, measuring photosynthesis and other parameters three times during the growing season. Four genotypes—Andoria, Jakubus, Paradies and Zophia—are new, promising varieties with requirements of intensive technology, high yield potential and very good disease resistance. The two popular Hungarian varieties (KG Apavár and KG Puszta) are relatively old but they have good tolerance to extreme ecological conditions and outstanding resistance and winter hardiness. The aim of our research was to test the new varieties’ performance. Several recent studies found close connections among various photosynthetic parameters in barley, and we confirmed that in our research. There were significant differences between the varieties in the assimilation rate—the highest values were measured at the BBCH 47–49 stage (end of booting), except Jakubus and Zophia, where the highest values were at BBCH 73–75 (milk ripe). The cultivars’ response to irradiation change varied, especially at higher photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) levels. In April and May, the plants were in drought stress according to the intercellular CO2 level and the total conductance to carbon dioxide. The differences between the air and leaf temperature were also low, indicating water stress, but the assimilation rate was relatively high (9.07–14.09 µmol m−2 s−1).We found a close connection between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values and grain protein content in each of the tested barley cultivars. The correlation was significant, at p = 0.01 level. The protein yield per hectare was determined rather by grain yield than protein content. The relationship between the NDVI values and grain yield was moderate, but NDVI values and protein content are in strong correlation.

Mitigating the Negative Effect of Drought Stress in Oat (Avena sativa L.) with Silicon and Sulphur Foliar Fertilization

“…Most yield-attributed traits such as the number of seeds spike −1 , thousand-seed weight, and spike density have been improved after silicon fertilization, which was later reflected in the grain yield of wheat [ 18 , 19 ]. This is partly due to silicon’s important physiological role in promoting plant growth by improving photosynthesis efficiency [ 20 , 21 ] and plant tolerance to various stresses [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, there has been a noteworthy lack of study and information on silicon fertilization and its effect on grain yield, physiological components, and quality in winter oat varieties.…”

Comparison of Juvenile, Drought Tolerant Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Clones with Regard to Plant Physiology and Growth Characteristics in Eastern Hungary: Early Evaluation

“…To be able to produce good quality industrial wood on the plantations, it is essential to study the phytophysiological properties of the trees (biomass production, vegetation activity of plants, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic activity) in addition to the traditional stand full inventories. Many literature sources are showing that significant differences in photosynthetic activity and transpiration can be found between the varieties in many field crops and trees, and the cultivars differed significantly also in the response to the different PPFD light intensities [71][72][73][74][75]. Our observations on the assimilation and water use properties provide new data for a better understanding of black locust timber formation processes.…”

Chlorophyll Meter: A Precision Agricultural Decision-Making Tool for Nutrient Supply in Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) Cultivation under Drought Conditions

“…The Tamadur variety is also characterized by its good agronomic characteristics, high grain quality traits, and resistance to multiple diseases, while Colliodur is known for its high yielding capacity and high drought tolerance level. These vegetal materials were then evaluated during the spring season at the Látókép research center of the University of Debrecen, Hungary, which is located at 47°33042″ N; 21°27002″ E, about 15 km from Debrecen [ 25 ]. This site is characterized by calcareous chernozem soil which contains about 2.7–2.8% humus, a nearly neutral pH (pH KCl = 6.46), and a specific plasticity index (KA) of 40 [ 26 ].…”