Genetic Dissection of Grain Yield and Its Components in Barley under Egyptian Conditions Using Diallel Analysis, Heterosis, and PCA
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study aimed to dissect the genetic architecture of grain yield and its related traits in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under Egyptian conditions using diallel analysis, heterosis estimation, and principal component analysis (PCA). Eight genetically diverse barley genotypes were crossed in a half-diallel mating design to generate 28 F₁ hybrids, which were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 3 replicates to evaluate traits of earliness, yield components, and grain and biological yields. Significant genetic variation was detected for all studied traits, indicating a wide genetic base suitable for effective selection. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were involved in trait inheritance; however, non-additive effects predominated for most traits, while additive effects were more pronounced for grain weight / spike and 100-kernel weight. Several parents, particularly Misrata 1, Giza 126, Giza 130, and Giza 137, exhibited high general combining ability, whereas specific hybrids, including Misrata 1 × Giza 136, Sasso × Giza 126, Sasso × Giza 134, and Giza 126 × Giza 137, showed superior performance for grain yield and its components. Most hybrids expressed desirable negative heterosis for days to heading, indicating potential for developing early-maturing genotypes, while positive heterosis was commonly observed for effective tillers number, spike length, and grain number / spike. PCA and biplot analysis based on standardized data effectively discriminated among genotypes and identified high-yielding, early-maturing hybrids with favorable spike traits. These results provide valuable insights for selecting elite parents and hybrids in barley breeding programs targeting Egyptian and similar marginal environments.
Source: Journal of Plant Production
Language: English
Topic: Genetics and Plant Breeding
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222895165