WINTER BARLEY GRAINS QUALITY VARIATION UNDER WATER- LIMITING CONDITIONS

The variation of some grain quality parameters has been caused by the use of a desiccant within a set of 16 winter barley genotypes (varieties and advanced lines), which led to the characterization of the indices, namely the one thousand kernel weight (TKW), protein content (P), starch content (S) and seed size (S I+II). These induced drought conditions have provided results regarding the possibility of growing certain genotypes under restrictive water conditions (field conditions) that can register both high yield and appropriate grain quality parameters. The performed analysis of the results revealed significant differences between genotypes, in terms of the influence of treatment applied and also the interaction between genotype and treatment. Results have been obtained regarding the identification of valuable genetic resources for the translocation of assimilates in water-limiting conditions but also the characterization of genotypes concerning the high stability of quality indices. These genotypes have a high content of carbohydrates in the stem and leaves at the beginning of the grain-filling period but also a high rate of translocation to the grains.