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Genotypic Differences in Root and Shoot Growth of Barley (Hordeum vulgare). II. Field Studies of Growth and Water Use of Crops Grown in Northern Syria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

A. Wahbi  and
P. J. Gregory
A. Wahbi
Affiliation:
Department of Soil Science, University of Reading, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AQ, England
P. J. Gregory
Affiliation:
Department of Soil Science, University of Reading, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AQ, England
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Summary

Five genotypes of barley (Arabic Abiad, Beecher, Cytris, Rihane ‘S’ and Swanneck) were grown under rainfed conditions at Breda and Ghrerife in northern Syria. During the winter, rates of shoot growth were similar at both sites but by anthesis crops at Breda were almost twice as large as crops at Ghrerife. Overall, Arabic Abiad was heavier and had a greater green area than other genotypes at both stem elongation and anthesis and, by maturity, had the greatest shoot dry mass and grain yield.

Differences in root dry mass between sites were small so that crops at Ghrerife had a higher ratio of root:total plant mass at anthesis and maturity than those at Breda. Rooting depth was shallower at Ghrerife but root length densities in the layers below 15 cm were greater than at Breda. Arabic Abiad had the longest root system below 15 cm at both sites. The genotypes did not differ in total seasonal water use at either site but there were differences in the patterns of water use during the early spring. Arabic Abiad used more water below 15 cm in the period from mid-February to mid-March and less during grain-filling than other genotypes.

The greater yields of Arabic Abiad may be associated with the greater root lengths below 15 cm and the correspondingly faster rates of water use during early spring. Yields of barley were greater when more water was used before anthesis; there appeared to be no advantages in saving water for use during grain-filling in this region.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 25 , Issue 3 , July 1989 , pp. 389 - 399
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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References

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