Analysis of Population Productivity Differences Among Tibetan Hulless Barley Varieties Under Fertilizer-Density Interactions
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Abstract
Addressing the critical constraints of low tillering survival rate and population productivity on yield improvement in hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum) within the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region, this study employed a two-factor split-plot design (4 fertilizer levels×3 planting densities×2 varieties) to systematically analyze the regulatory mechanisms of fertilizer-density interactions on tillering dynamics and population productivity. The results indicated that the jointing stage is the key period for tiller regulation. Path analysis revealed for the first time that the IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid)/ZT (Zeatin) ratio exerted the strongest direct effect on tiller number (path coefficient = 0.443). The FC3 treatment (N 75 kg/ha + P₂O₅ 150 kg/ha) significantly promoted tillering, but hormonal responses differed markedly between varieties: High fertilizer (FC4) strongly induced ZT synthesis in Kunlun 14. Kunlun 15 maintained high IAA stability under FC3. Significant diminishing marginal returns were observed for nitrogen and phosphorus utilization. Kunlun 14 achieved peak nitrogen use efficiency (27.71%) and maximum yield (7808 kg/ha) under medium density (MD) combined with FC3. Kunlun 15 attained optimal nitrogen efficiency (24.26%) and high yield (7165 kg/ha) under low density (LD) with FC2, while excessive fertilization under high density resulted in negative agronomic efficiency. Optimization pathways for population structure revealed: Yield exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with seed setting rate (r = 0.962**) and grain weight per spike, but a trade-off existed between effective panicle number and 1000-grain weight (r=-0.218*). For Kunlun 14, MD-FC3 synergistically increased panicle number and grain weight. For Kunlun 15, LD-FC2 expanded panicle number, whereas high density reduced grain weight per spike by 13.9% due to ZT/IAA imbalance. These findings elucidate fertilizer and density management strategies for enhancing tillering, panicle formation, and high-yield population structure establishment in hulless barley, providing both theoretical and practical foundations for rational tiller utilization and high-yield cultivation.
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