Specific adaptation for early maturity and height stability in Icelandic spring barley

Abstract Cereal production in important growing regions is negatively influenced by climate change. This can be countered expanding cereal northwards Scandinavia and Iceland, where today, barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) primarily used as feed, it rarely reaches malting quality. study explores genetic factors underlying the ability of to mature fully low temperature long photoperiod. A panel 84 spring lines were grown controlled environments with different day lengths temperatures, partially mimicking target environment. The was screened for accumulated heat sum heading, maturity, height, all traits importance adaptation northern periphery. Subgroups stability requirements found, day‐length‐neutral identified. Height controlled, lower resulting taller plants. results coupled a genome‐wide association (GWAS). Despite small size, Mat‐a locus identified have strongest heading; Ppd‐H1 , Mat‐a, FT1 DHAR2 maturity; GA20ox1 height. Early maturing height successfully been developed this confirms their performance first time. It provides insight mechanisms behind early maturity that will increase our further adapt other cereals climate. facilitate breeding work toward combining such quality, enabling northward expansion grain production.