Multivariate analysis of traits determining adaptation in cultivated barley

Thirty-nine barley varieties of different origin, representing different gr owth types, were included in a series of experiments aimed at analysing the variability in vernalization response. photoperiod sensitivity and earline ss per se and establishing the types of ecoclimatic adaptability using mult ivariate analysis. In the case of spring barley varieties there was no corr elation between any of the three traits. For winter barleys. a negative cor relation was found between photoperiod sensitivity and vernalization respon se and between photoperiod sensitivity and earliness ptr se. Vernalization response and earliness per st showed a positive correlation. Among the wint er barley varieties large variations were apparent in photoperiod sensitivi ty, vernalization response and earliness per se. which resulted in a tremen dous variation in flowering patterns and frost tolerance. Between the sprin g barley varieties only wider variations in photoperiod sensitivity were de tected. Based on the cluster analysis, the 39 varieties could be separated into seven groups. The spring barley Varieties were placed in two groups. a nd the winter barleys in five groups representing different adaptational ty pes. Among these five groups two represented the two opposing extreme combi nations of photoperiod sensitivity and vernalization response, The combinat ion of large photoperiod sensitivity and no vernalization response resulted in better frost tolerance than did the combination of photoperiod insensit ivity and large vernalization response.