The study investigated the population structure and genetic diversity of 100 barley lines over three years in Pakistan and China, revealing four main subpopulations and a high level of genetic variation.
The analysis identified 133 alleles and calculated average gene diversity, supporting the classification of lines into four phylogenetic groups based on SSR marker data.
The research culminated in the creation of a core set of 20 barley genotypes, highlighting specific SSR markers for traits like malt quality and salinity tolerance, which can enhance marker-assisted breeding.