Genetic variability in two-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

A total of 20 genotypes of 2-rowed barley were grown in a Randomized Block Design using 3 replications to study variability, heritability and genetic advance for 13 characters. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes regarding all the characters studied. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients variability were higher in flag leaf width than other traits. Estimates of heritability ranged from 71.64% for days to maturity to 97.58% for peduncle length, while grain yield showed 84.28% heritability. Heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of grains per spike, grain yield per plant, peduncle length, flag lea/length and width and second leaf width indicating the importance of these traits in selection and crop improvement.