Thermosensitivity in genic male sterile lines of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Forty six genic male sterile lines of barley sown at two different dates were tested for their sensitivity towards temperature. Seven genic male sterile lines exhibited seed setting of more than 30% at different temperatures. Of these, four msg 7, msg 17, msg 21 and msg 33 showed high fertility at lower temperatures (20.3 to 24.2°C) and complete sterility/partial fertility at higher temperature of 27.7°C. Three msg lines msg 10, msg 30 and msg 38 behaved conversely and showed fertility at higher temperatures (24–27°C) and complete sterility/partial fertility at lower temperature of 23°C. These thermosensitive msg lines can be used in two line hybrid seed production in barley after extensive study in controlled environmental conditions.