Identification of salt-tolerant barley genotypes using multiple-traits index and yield performance at the early growth and maturity stages

Abstract Background Salinity is one of the major limiting abiotic stresses that decrease crop production worldwide. To recommend genotypes for cultivation under saline stress conditions, a comprehensive understanding genetic basis and plant responses to this needed. In present study, total 20 barley were investigated identify potential salt-tolerant genotypes, both at early growth stage using hydroponic system, in adult plants field conditions. For these purposes, multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was used seedling stage, weighted average absolute scores (WAASB) high-yielding stable stage. At seedlings treated with two salinity levels: 0 mM NaCl (as control conditions) 200 30 days, during period different physiological traits measured. Besides, yield performance stability evaluated across five environments 2018–2020 cropping seasons. Results significantly decreased all plants; however, some showed minimal reduction measured traits. Multivariate analysis grouped into clusters. G12, G14, G6, G7, G16 selected as most MGIDI index. multi-environment trials experiment, AMMI grain yields tested influenced by environment (E), genotype (G), GE interaction. Based on other statistics, G8, superior genotypes. Conclusion Together WAASB indices revealed three genotypes—G7, G14 G16—can be recommended new resources improving stabilizing programs moderate climate regions Iran. Our results suggest can accelerate screening nurseries breeding programs. useful measurement trials.