Dissection of variance components, heritability, and selection intensity studies among food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) breeding lines in Arsi, South-Eastern Ethiopia

A study of genetic variability assists as a fundamental tool for improving barley through the effective utilization of its genetic potential. The present study aimed to assess the extent of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance at a 5% selection intensity among 49 advanced breeding lines of food barley. In the 2022 cropping season, the lines were evaluated for 16 traits at Dera and Asasa using a 7 × 7 simple lattice design. The pooled analysis of variance across locations showed that most of the traits measured were significantly different (P < 0.01) among the lines. This suggests that there is considerable genetic variation between the lines. Genotype G-33 recorded the highest mean yield (5882.5 kg ha− 1), showing yield advantages of 18.00%, 21.99%, 35.45%, and 42.26% over the standard checks Gobe, Bentu, Diribe, and the local check Aruso, respectively. The number of kernels spike− 1 and kernel weight spike− 1 demonstrated high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. Grain yield (kg ha− 1), spike length, kernel weight spike− 1, and number of kernels spike− 1 all exhibited high heritability combined with moderate to high genotypic coefficient of variation and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean, suggesting the presence of an additive gene action. Ultimately, this study has revealed promising genotypes with higher yield and associated attributes for possible breeding in areas with moisture stress. To bolster the findings, it is recommended that these genotypes be further evaluated utilizing molecular markers under different environments and seasons.