Selection index and stability analysis for malting barley variety release in Ethiopia.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the major strategic crops in Ethiopia. Average yield is low due to low-yielding varieties, biotic and abiotic constraints. Farmers are concerned with quantity while the malting industries need to ensure quality. There has been a general belief by the industry that two-row barleys are better than the six-row types in terms of quality but farmers are inclined to six-rows for higher yield. Evaluation was performed to identify a variety with desirable yield and quality standards. Single-trait selection for yield or quality traits has so far been the breeders' target with less emphasis on multiple traits' selection. The current research aims to identify a high-yielding variety with acceptable quality based on multiple selection criteria. Analysis of variance showed higher location variance for yield with no interaction effect. Stability analysis exhibited significant interaction effect for malt extract and protein content. Two genotypes MOATA and IBON-HI68 were identified with stable malt extract and protein content. 'MOATA' has been released with a higher mean yield (5.1 t/ha), lower protein (10.2%) and beta glucan (2.5%) contents, higher friability (73%) and malt extract (81.3%) while IBON-HI68 has been maintained as a parent material for future crossing program. MOATA is less susceptible to shoot fly damage (22%), scald and net blotch (44%). Its peculiar compact spike and dropping awns imply quality merits. In conclusion, multiple traits selection index has proved successful in identifying the first six-row malting barley variety in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]