Comparison of yield potential and drought-related traits in spring barley core collection based on row types, biological backgrounds, and origins

Abstract This study was carried out to analyze the population structure of 231 spring barley genotypes from the spring barley core collection and to deepen the understanding of the phenotypic differences of the spring barley core collection based on row type, biological background, and origin. Population structure analysis using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers revealed that barley genotypes were separated based on row-type and geographical origin. Agronomic and morphological traits showed limited effectiveness in distinguishing barley genotypes based on their biological background or origin. A neighbor Joining Tree clearly separates the 231 spring barley genotypes based on row-types and the origins. The two main row-type groups were further divided into eight sub-populations distinguished based on origin using concatenated split network tree analysis. The variance components of within and between sub-populations were detected with 57.53% and 30.12% of the total variance based on analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), indicating a substantial level of variability within and among sub-populations in the spring barley collection. Significant differences were observed between 2-rowed and 6-rowed barley types for most agronomic traits, with 6-rowed genotypes demonstrating higher yield potential, increased plant height, and earlier maturity. Additionally, landraces and genotypes from West Asia and North Africa exhibited increased height and earlier maturity, suggesting strong adaptation to arid environments.