Effect of planting time on grain yield and yield components of rainfed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes under climatic conditions of Mashhad, Iran

To evaluate grain yield of barley cultivars in different planting times and identifying genotypes suitable fro delayed planting under rainfed conditions, this study was carried out  in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 cropping cycle in Torogh research station in Mashhad, Iran. Two planting times; autumn and dormant seeding and 12 barley genotypes were compared as split plot arrangements in randomized complete block design with three replications. Two planting times were assigned to main plots and 12 barley genotypes were randomized in sub-plots. Barley cultivars included; Sahand, Abidar, Ansar, Nader, Yea168, Sararoud1, Mahoor, Khorram and Eizeh. Phonological development and grain yield and yield components were measured and recorded. The results showed that there were significant differences among cultivars. At the autumn planting, anthesis occurred under optimum range of temperature. However, in delayed planting, anthesis occurred under temperature stress conditions in most cultivars. Mahoor and Khorram cultivars with mean of 2291 and 2119 kg.ha-1, respectively had the highes grain yield, and Abidar, Ansar and Sararoud1 with mean of 1518, 1619 and 1625 kg.ha-1, respectively, had the least grain yield. Based on the results of this experiment, Mahour and Khorram cultivars are suitable for cultivation in Mashhahd region and other similar areas. However, if there is high risk of winter frost damage (based on long-term meteorological information), Nader and Sahand scultivars can be grown. For dormant seeding only spring cultivars such as Mahoor and Khorram due to higher grain yield and yield adaptability are most suitable.