Comparison of spring barley varieties grown in England and Wales between 1880 and 1980

摘要: Five experiments, involving 37 varieties, were carried out over three seasons to estimate the increase in yield potential spring barley achieved by plant breeding during last 100 years. Most of important varieties grown Britain between 1880 and 1980 represented. In experiments disease was controlled a fungicide while other two application main treatment. To prevent loss due lodging, plants supported as treatment trials. all most modern yielded more than older ones. The genetic gain 0·39% per year 100-year period 0·84% 1953 1980. Modern had higher grain yields, shorter straw, harvest index denned proportion dry weight total above-ground weight; tillers they produced survived give ears. There weak association biological (total weight) yield. It is suggested that although much improvement described here could be attributed increased index, scope for further this character may limited. Further improvements might combining high with index.