Variability analysis for qualitative characters in Ethiopian barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) landraces

Five hundred eighty five Ethiopian barley landraces were studied for their phenotypic diversity for certain qualitative characters in respect to region and altitude of origin using augmented design consisting of six blocks. Data collected on qualitative characters were subjected to multivariate analyses. The diversity was estimated by using the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) for each of the characters to examine overall genetic divergence between accessions on the basis of ecogeographical zones and altitudinal ranges. Phenotypic diversity index was very high for rachilla hair length, spike length, grain color and kernel row number and low diversity index for kernel cover/caryopsis. Rachilla hair length, spike length, spike density, kernel row and grain color from qualitative traits were the most characters which contributed variance among accessions. High diversity index among characters obtained at Gojam, Gonder, Wellega, Wello and Shewa and diversity index increased with altitude between 2000 and 2500 AMSL and decreases at altitude beyond 2500 AMSL. Based on the characters considered and populations evaluated, the marked diversity observed among the barley landraces could be utilized in future crop improvement for various traits. The information generated complements the robust barley breeding program of competitive, stable and climate-resilient varieties for barley farming communities in different agro-ecologies of Ethiopia.