Agronomic performance and flowering behavior in response to photoperiod and vernalization in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance behavior

•Agronomical performance of barley genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance was assessed under field conditions.•A significant negative correlation was observed in stressed environments between heading date and yield-related traits.•Clear differences in reproductive meristem development between genotypes were observed in response to drought, vernalization and photoperiod.•Gene expression analysis of major flowering genes showed significant differences in response to vernalization, water deficit and photoperiod.