Abstract:
Lack of suitable malt barley varieties that exhibit high yielding, stable performance, and good malting quality is the major
factor among several production constraints contributing to low productivity of malt barley in the North Gondar Zone. The
present study was done to evaluate and recommend the best performing varieties in the major potential areas of North Gondar.
The experiment was conducted at three locations for two consecutive years (2015 and 2016) during the main cropping season
using twelve improved varieties. The design was randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of
variance and GGE [genotype main effect (G) and genotype-by-environment interaction (GE)] biplot analysis were conducted
following their respective procedures. Combined analysis of variance revealed a highly significant difference (P < 0.01)
among genotypes, environments, and genotype-by-environment interaction for grain yield, most agronomic and malt quality
traits. All the varieties had acceptable malt quality traits. The variety IBON-174/03 was found to be the highest yielding and
the most stable variety across environments. According to the polygon view of biplot analysis, the varieties were spread
across four sections and the test environments spread across two sections. Among the six test environments, D and C were
more discriminating and F and B were less discriminating. Test environments F, E, and A were found to be more representative
of the mega-environment than D. Considering early maturity, malt quality, grain yield, and stability performance; it is
recommended to use the variety IBON-174/03 for production in the study areas and in similar areas.
