Yield potential and drought tolerance of segregating populations of barley in contrasting environments

Summary Using the traditional approach (selection for grain yield) it has been found that F₃ families derived from F₂'s selected under unfavourable conditions were more vigorous in the early stages of growth, taller, earlier in heading and with larger yields than F₃ families derived from F₂'s selected under favourable conditions. A high and negative correlation coefficient was found between the drought susceptibility index and grain yield at the driest site, whereas at the wettest site the correlation coefficients were lower and in some cases positive, indicating the existence of traits which are desirable under drought and undesirable under favourable conditions, or vice versa.Expected responses to selection for grain yield using different selection criteria indicated that selection under stress conditions is expected to be more efficient than selection under favourable conditions when dry areas is the target environment.Expected responses to selection for grain yield using different selection criteria indicated that selection under stress conditions is expected to be more efficient than selection under favourable conditions when dry areas is the target environment.Part of this work was supported by Opec Fund for International Development.