Abstract
Differentiation ability of calli derived from mature embryos was surveyed using a total of 269 Iocal barley varieties collected from various countries or regions of the world. Eighty five varieties differentiated roots, though they did not regenerate shoots. The percentages of root differentiation in all tested varieties ranged from O to 100 %, and their average was 10.2 % . Varieties collected from Japan, Korea. China. Nepal, Turkey and North Africa showed a low differentiation ability (1 -5 % ), while those from South-West Asia, Europe and Ethiopia showed a high differentiation ability (13-19 % ).
