Post-anthesis changes in internodes dry matter, stem mobilization, and their relation to the grain yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Making an increase in the yield of agricultural plants including barely is considered as the main challenge for researchers in agriculture related sciences. Water-soluble carbohydrates transport and source–sink relations have a significant effect on the grain yield. This study was carried out in order to examine genotypic variation of storage and remobilization ability of carbohydrates in eighteen developed and two commercial varieties of barley. The study was arranged in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Samples were collected at anthesis and 14, 21, and 28 days after anthesis. Dry matter and length of peduncle and penultimate, and other physiologic and morphologic characters including leaf area index and SPAD number were examined in different stages after anthesis. At the maturity, grain yield and its components were measured. A positively significant correlation was observed between the dry matter of the last two internodes during grain filling and the rate of stem remobilization and grain yield. According to the findings, a high level of variability rate of stem remobilization was observed in different barley genotypes which can be used in barley breeding program.