Evaluation of ICARDA barley genotypes for yield stability and lodging resistance in southeastern Ethiopia highlands.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotype yield stability and identify lodging resistant ICARDA barley genotypes for future breeding. Fifteen semi-dwarf ICARDA barley genotypes were tested across 11 environments in randomized complete block design in four replications in Bale highlands of Southeastern Ethiopia. The analysis of variance showed that total yield variation has been significantly (P<0.01) influenced by environment (72.9%), genotype by environment interaction (GEI) (11.4%) and genotype (2.1%), signifying the importance of GEI effect as compared to genotype effect. From high yielding and stable ICARDA barley genotypes, 27th IBON 73/99, F2 (S X S) 237/99 and F2 (S X S) 222/99) showed about 35% yield advantage over the lowest yielding checks (Aruso and Dimtu), and about 15% better yield than the higher yielding check, Dinsho. The result reveals that the ICARDA barley genotypes were shorter in height and better lodging resistant than checks. And, the ICARDA semi-dwarf material would be useful in crossing program with local barley landraces to develop promising genotypes for high yielding potential, lodging resistance and better adaptability.