Plant Types and Gibberellin Responses of Chinese Dwarf-barley Genetic Resources

Plant types and gibberellin responses were investigated in 20 Chinese dwarf and two tall check-barley varieties Wide genetic variation was observed in plant height, ranging from 23.1 to 69.2 cm. Compared with the controls, no relationship was found between plant height and internode number, but a relationship was established between plant height and internode length. The ratio of the length to the diameter of each internode decreased greatly in most of the dwarfs. Three dwarf groups, three internode patterns and four leaf forms were differentiated in Chinese dwarf barleys based on the main culm height, successive internode lengths, and top three leaf widths and lengths. Most showed sensitivity to GA₃.