Evaluating Scald Reactions of Some Turkish Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Varieties Using GGE Biplot Analysis

Abstract

Scald caused by the fungal pathogen Rhynchosporium commune is a significant foliar disease affecting barley production on a global scale, and it leads to substantial reductions in both yield and quality of barley. In the current study, the reactions of 40 Turkish barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties to scald were evaluated under natural conditions in Çanakkale and Kırşehir in 2021–2022, and Antalya and Siirt locations in 2022–2023 growing seasons. Field trials were conducted according to randomized block design with three replications in each year; the spore concentration was 1 × 106 spores per mL, and it was applied to the varieties three times at different growth stages. The reactions of barley varieties were assessed using a newly designed two-digit scale ranging from 11 to 99. Based on their scale values, the varieties were categorized as immune (0), resistant (11–35), moderately resistant (36–55), moderately susceptible (56–75), and susceptible (76–99). In addition, genotype plus genotype-by-environment (GGE) interactions of scale values were analyzed through GGE Biplot and explained 97.65% of the total variation. The ranking of genotypes based on scale groups generally showed consistency with GGE Biplot results, but GGE Biplot offered a more detailed classification, especially for moderately susceptible varieties. The relationship between the two methods indicated the relative stability of variety reactions, as GGE Biplot analysis also considered genotype stability. In conclusion, the use of the newly developed scale for evaluating scald reactions in barley gives reliable results. In addition, identified resistant varieties can serve as valuable genetic resources for further breeding studies.