PLASTICITY IN BEHAVIOR OF TURKISH MALTING BARLEY CULTIVARS UNDER SEMI-ARID AND CONTINENTAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

This study aimed to select stable cultivars in terms of desired agronomic or quality criteria from among 15 two rowed barley cultivars that may remain stable in varying year conditions during 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Furthermore, relationships among these traits were investigated. Some agronomical and quality traits of barley were affected by years and cultivars. Yield, yield components and some quality parameters were affected by the cultivars. Also, days to ripening was affected by years, cultivars, and year x cultivar interaction. Crude protein content (CPC) was significantly positive correlated with ASH during both seasons. Starch ratio (SR) showed significantly negative correlations with ASH and CPC during both seasons. ADF and NDF had significant positive strong correlation with one another and ASH during both years while they showed significant negative correlations with SR. The results show that technological properties are not affected by the interaction of cultivar x year; therefore, these stable cultivars can be readily used in malt or feed technology if their technological features are considered. For example, cv. Unver contained low ratios of ash, CPC, oil, soluble fiber and high SR in the malt industry; cv. Hasat which includes the opposite technological properties of cv. Unver, was found be suitable for use in feed technology.