DArTseq Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity of Barley Landraces Originating from Different Countries

Landraces are considered a key element of agrobiodiversity because of their high variability and adaptation to local environmental conditions, but at the same time, they represent a breeding potential hidden in gene banks that has not yet been fully appreciated and utilized. Here, we present a genome-wide DArTseq analysis of the diversity of 116 spring barley landraces preserved in the collection of the Polish gene bank. Genetic analysis revealed considerable variation in this collection and several distinct groups related to the landraces' country of origin and the grain type were identified. The genetic distinctness of hulless accessions may provide a basis for pro-quality breeding aimed at functional food production. However, the variable level of accession heterogeneity can be a significant obstacle. A solution to this problem is the establishment of special collections composed of pure lines that are accessible to breeders. Regions lacking genetic diversity have also been identified on 1H and 4H chromosomes. A small region of reduced heterogeneity was also present in the hulless forms in the vicinity of the nud gene that determines the hulless grain type. However, the SNPs present in this area may also be important in selection for traits related to grain weight and size because their QTLs were found there. This may support breeding of hulless forms of spring barley which may have applications in the production of high-quality foods with health-promoting values.

Automated summary

Spring barley landraces exhibit considerable genetic diversity, with distinct groups identified based on their country of origin and grain type. Heterogeneity in accessions may pose challenges for breeding, necessitating the establishment of special collections composed of pure lines accessible to breeders. Regions lacking genetic diversity have been pinpointed, while SNPs associated with traits related to grain weight and size in hulless forms could be valuable for breeding high-quality, health-promoting foods.