Genetic Variability for Morphological Traits in Released Varieties of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under Partially Reclaimed Saline-Sodic Soil

Morphological traits of barley showed differences among varieties released for different uses and climatic zones. Understanding these morphological variations is an important part for development of crop models for different purposes, and to know the plant worth. Narrow and waxy leaves are good indication for tolerant to abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, alkalinity and rainfed situation. Sixty four released varieties of barley were grown under partially reclaimed saline-sodic soil, under irrigated conditions during rabi 2010–11 showing wide spectrum of variation for various characters. The characters studied for morphological variation were - growth habit, morphology of leaf, presence of anthocyanin pigmentation, spikelet arrangement, presence of awn, tip sterility, waxiness on leaf, seed colour and seed shape. The characters studied for yield were namely plant height, days to maturity, fertile tillers/plant, length of main spike, grains per main spike, 1000-grains weight, grain yield per plant. The data on seven yield traits used for estimation of mean, range and least significant differences. Based on this study eight varieties selected were - RD-2552, HBL-276, RD-2592, PL-419, Kedar, PL-751, JB-58, K-508 produced higher grain yield plant⁻¹.