摘要:SummaryHeading time is a key trait in cereals affecting the maturation period for optimal grain filling before harvest. Here, we aimed to understand the factors controlling heading time in barley (Hordeum vulgare). We characterized a set of 274 barley accessions collected worldwide by planting them for 20 seasons under different environmental conditions at the same location in Kurashiki, Japan. We examined interactions among accessions, known genetic factors, and an environmental factor to determine the factors controlling heading response. Locally adapted accessions have been selected for genetic factors that stabilize heading responses appropriate for barley cultivation, and these accessions show stable heading responses even under varying environmental conditions. We identified vernalization requirement andPPD-H1haplotype as major stabilizing mechanisms of the heading response for regional adaptation in Kurashiki.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Heading of 274 barley worldwide accessions were evaluated for 20 seasons•Locally adapted accessions show stable heading responses•Vernalization requirement andPPD-H1haplotype stabilize the heading responseBiological Sciences; Plant Genetics; Plant Biology