Abstract:The present study was conducted to evaluate genetic variability and identify key yield-contributing traits among twenty diverse barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes grown under the semi-arid conditions of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Using a Randomized Block Design with three replications, data were recorded for phenological, morphological, yield-related, and disease-resistance traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among all genotypes, confirming the presence of substantial genetic diversity. Traits such as grain yield, effective tillers, grains per spike, grain weight per spike, and 1000-grain weight exhibited moderate to high GCV and PCV values. High heritability combined with high genetic advance for grain yield, grain weight per spike, grains per spike, TGW, and disease reaction indicated predominant additive gene action, suggesting these traits are highly responsive to selection. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations showed strong positive associations of grain yield with effective tillers, grains per spike, grain weight per spike, and biological yield. Path coefficient analysis further revealed that biological yield had the highest direct effect on grain yield, followed by effective tillers and grain weight per spike. Seven superior genotypes DWRB 97, PL 822, RD 2052,
DWRB 95, PL 758, DWRB 91, and DWRB 92 were identified as promising candidates for barley improvement programmes.
