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Genetic gains in Nordic spring barley breeding over sixty years

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Abstract

Accurate assessments of genetic gains ensuing from plant breeding for the most important agronomic characteristics in Nordic spring barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) are not available. Hence this research was aimed to determine the rate of genetic improvement in the Nordic barley breeding pool. This study included 90, 2-row spring barley cultivars released (1942–1988) and29, 6-row spring barley cultivars released(1930–1991) adopted by Nordic farmers that were tested in four Nordic locations for three consecutive years. Relative genetic gain owing to plant breeding was 13% in2-row barley and 34% in 6-row barley for grain yield. The absolute gain for this characteristic was 13 ± 3 kg ha-1 year -1 in 2-row barley, and22 ± 3 kg ha-1 year-1 in6-row barley. Improved yield was achieved in Nordic barley by reducing plant height(0.20 ± 0.04 cm year-1 for 2-rowbarley and 0.16 ± 0.06 cm year-1for 6-row cultivars), thereby reducing significantly lodging (0.5 ± 0.1%year-1 and 0.4 ± 0.1year-1), and increasing significantly the harvest index (0.0008 ± 0.0002year-1 and 0.0018 ± 0.0002year-1). Additionally, in 2-row spring barley cultivars resistance to powdery mildew (0.19 ± 0.08% year-1)and thousand-kernel weight (0.07 ±0.03 g year-1) were also significantly enhanced, whereas hectoliter weight was improved (0.06 ± 0.02 kg year-1)in 6-row barley cultivars in the period investigated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, 40 Thorvaldsensvej, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Rodomiro Ortiz & Sten Madsen

  2. Dept. of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O.B. 5040, N-1432, Ås, Norway

    Minna Nurminiemi & Odd Arne Rognli

  3. Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences, Agricultural University of Norway, N-1432, Ås, Norway

    Åsmund Bjørnstad

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  1. Rodomiro Ortiz
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  2. Minna Nurminiemi
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  3. Sten Madsen
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  4. Odd Arne Rognli
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  5. Åsmund Bjørnstad
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Ortiz, R., Nurminiemi, M., Madsen, S. et al. Genetic gains in Nordic spring barley breeding over sixty years. Euphytica 126, 283–289 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016302626527

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