Varietical features of formation of spring barley productivity using growth regulators in the conditions of the Northeastern Forest-Step of Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. The aim was to identify the varietal features of the formation of spring barley productivity with the use of plant growth regulators and to assess their impact on the elements of the crop structure and the level of realization of the productive potential of the crop in the soil and climatic conditions of the North-Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
Methods. The study employed field, laboratory, and statistical methods. Field experiments were conducted in the conditions of the Northeastern Forest-Step of Ukraine using a two-factor design: factor A – spring barley varieties (Ahrarii, Bohun, Komandor, Akordine, Alisiana); factor B – application of plant growth regulators (control – without treatment, Kelpak, Black Jack, Agrostimulin, Humifield, Yarylo Amino Mix, Terpal). Laboratory methods were used to determine the yield structure components, including the number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, and thousand grain weight. Statistical processing of the experimental data was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Statistica software package.
Results. According to the results of the conducted studies, it was found that the productivity indicators of spring barley – the number of grains in the ear, the weight of grains in the ear and the weight of 1000 grains – are formed under the complex influence of the genetic characteristics of the varieties and the applied plant growth regulators, which confirms the need for their coordinated use in the technology of growing the crop.
The highest average values of the grain size of the ear were obtained in the varieties Acordine and Agrariy, which indicates their increased potential for the formation of generative organs. The use of growth regulators, in particular Yarilo Amino Mix, as well as Black Jack, Agrostimulin and Kelpak, contributed to an increase in the number of grains in the ear.
The most complete realization of the grain filling potential was demonstrated by the varieties Acordine and Agrariy. The use of stimulating drugs provided an increase in the indicator by an average of 0.05–0.25 g compared to the control, with the highest efficiency again shown by Yarilo Amino Mix. Gumifield was characterized by moderate action.
According to the indicator of the mass of 1000 grains, a distinct response of varieties to the action of growth regulators was observed. The most complete grain was obtained in the Alisiana variety – 54.17 g. Growth regulators contributed to the formation of a more complete grain, which is associated with the activation of assimilation processes and the improvement of the provision of generative organs with plastic substances.
Findings. It was found that the productivity indicators of spring barley are formed under the combined influence of varietal biological characteristics and the applied growth regulators. In terms of the number of grains per spike and grain weight per spike, the varieties Akordine and Ahrarii showed the best performance, while the highest thousand grain weight was recorded for the variety Alisiana. Among the tested preparations, Yarylo Amino Mix was the most effective; positive effects were also observed from the application of Black Jack, Agrostimulin, and Kelpak. The obtained results indicate the expediency of selecting growth regulators with regard to varietal characteristics to increase spring barley productivity under the conditions of the Northeastern Forest-Step of Ukraine.