Variability and structure of natural populations of Hordeum murinum L. based on morphology

Based on a detailed statistical analysis of 19 quantitative and four qualitative characters of 31 samples of Hordeum murinum from Poland, it was stated that the small variability of these characters does not permit to distinguish any intra-specific units. Only a slight geographical differentiation of populations was found. Based on the differences discovered, the populations have been divided into two groups: one with the centre of distribution in the North-East (group E) and the second in South-West Poland (group W). This differentiation might result from the different routes of migration of this species into Poland. The chromosome number (2n = 28) confirms earlier reports from Poland. New data concerning the distribution of H. murinum in north-eastern Poland are also presented. A detailed study on the distribution of H. murinum in Poland is under way.