M. Vetelainen et al., UTILIZATION OF EXOTIC GERMPLASM IN NORDIC BARLEY BREEDING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR ADAPTATION, Euphytica, 92(1-2), 1996, pp. 267-273
Utilization of exotic germplasm is one way to broaden genetic variatio
n in breeding populations. This approach has recently been adopted in
Sweden and Finland, where experimental barley populations has been est
ablished for research and pre-breeding purposes. The aim of the projec
t is threefold: (1) to increase overall genetic diversity of Nordic ba
rley breeding material; (2) to develop breeding material which possess
es a high level of resistance for various barley diseases; and (3) to
study effects of exotic germplasm on adaptation and agronomic performa
nce. Both the Finnish and the Swedish barley populations include the s
ame exotic material i.e. unadapted landraces from different parts of A
sia and wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) accessions. Loca
lly adapted high-yielding barley lines were included in the population
s. The establishment of these populations involved six crossing genera
tions in order to promote recombination and enhance the break-up of li
nkage blocks. The paper discusses the third aim of the project. Studie
s on agronomic performance and adaptation showed that (1) agronomicall
y valuable genotypes can be constructed through recombination using ex
otic germplasm for Nordic conditions, (2) that incorporation of exotic
material is most successful when made in a local genetic base and (3)
that exotic germplasm has an effect on adaptation.