Evaluation of High Potential-Yielding of Naked Barley Genotypes Under Saline-Alkaline Soil Condition

Abstract

Salinity stress is becoming an increasingly severe global challenge, necessitating the identification of crop germplasm capable of thriving in saline-alkaline soil conditions to ensure high yields. Naked barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum) emerges as a promising candidate due to its resilience to abiotic stresses, high nutritional value, and potential for sustainable production. In this study, a preliminary screening of 440 naked barley genotypes was conducted under saline soil conditions. Key indices, including yield and eleven yield-related components, were evaluated using multivariate analysis techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA), correlation coefficient analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results demonstrated that spike weight, seed number per row, fully developed seeds per spike, seed weight per spike, thousand-seed weight, and seed width significantly influenced grain yield under saline-alkaline conditions, as indicated by correlation coefficients and PCA. Yield performance classification revealed that 11% of the genotypes were high-yielding, 29% were moderate-yielding, and 60% were low-yielding. Hierarchical cluster analysis further identified that the first cluster (C1), which includes a total of 150 genotypes, exhibited the highest mean values for most of the traits examined. Within this cluster, notable genotypes (X511, X185, X421, X188, X322, X184, X350, X323, X349, and X338) demonstrated yields ranging from 4.32 to 6.68 t/ha. These genotypes, grouped in sub-cluster C1.1.1, represent promising candidates for breeding programmes aimed at enhancing yield and salinity tolerance. This study provides an initial screening of yield potential and lays the foundation for future research into the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance and breeding.