Genomics of a barley population evolved on-farm under different environmental conditions

In this study we explored the effects of short-term evolution on a barley population selected through evolutionary breeding, which evolved under five environmental conditions for three years: three environments were favorable for growing barley while two were affected by either extreme cold and freeing periods or scarce precipitations. Molecular characterization was performed using 281 SNPs on a total of 545 individuals. Our results demonstrate that populations characterized by high yield and yield stability can also hold sufficient genetic variability to quickly adapt to different climatic conditions attaining specific adaptation, of great relevance in low input and organic agriculture.