Search

The Yasmina variety is a new, highly productive spring fodder barley. It was created at the Institute of Agriculture in Karnobat by means of a combinatorial selection method. The biological and economic traits of the variety were tested in the Institute's competitive variety trials and the IASAS system during 2019-2020. The aim of this study was to present the biological and economic traits of the new recognized spring six-row barley variety Yasmina. In the ecological network regions, it demonstrated high productivity. The mean yield from the new variety obtained in 4 Bulgarian regions was proven higher than the one from the standard variety Venera by 22.0%. During the testing period, the variety realized a yield of up to 6500 kg/a. With high protein content of 13.51%, it is ideally suited for fodder.The variety has good lodging resistance. Yasmina was recognized as an original cultivar with Order No RD-12-4/10 Mar 2021 by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and was approved for entry in List A of the Official Variety List of the Republic of Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Целта на овој труд е да се направи евалуација на приносот и компонентите на принос кај пролетни сорти јачмен одгледувани во Република Северна Македонија со примена на мултиваријантни анализи. Како материјал за работа во овој експеримент беа употребени пет пролетни сорти на јачмен (Makedo, Xanadu, Josefin Variety, Gladys Variety и Scarlet Variety). Makedo е македонска сорта, а останатите се со странско потекло. Опитот беше поставен во рандомизиран блок систем, со три повторувања, спроведен на површините во Пробиштип, Република Северна Македонија. Сортата Makedo покажа највисока вредност за принос на зрно (6.844 kg/ha), број на класови на m² (668), број на зрна во клас (22) и хектолитарска маса (68.5 kg/hl). Со помош на компонентна векторска анализа издвоени се две главни компоненти, кои претставуваа 82.46% од целата варијабилност помеѓу сортите и испитуваните својства. Првата главна компонента (ПЦ1) претставува 59.92% од варијабилноста, а вредностите на факторите на оптоварување за бројот на класови на m² (0.49), принос на зрно (0.48) и број на зрна во клас (0.47) позитивно влијаат по првата главна компонента. Втората главна компонента (ПЦ2) претставува 22.53% од варијабилноста, а вредноста на факторот на оптоварување за маса на 1.000 зрна позитивно влијае по втората главна компонента. Од сите пролетни сорти кои беа предмет на истражување, само сортата Makedo покажа позитивни вредности по двете главни компоненти. Приносот на зрно покажа позитивна корелација со бројот на класови на m2 (r = 0.795) од една страна и со бројот на зрна во клас (r = 0.632) од друга страна. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of biofertilizers on some physiological and agronomical characteristics of different varieties of wheat and barley at the physiological maturity stage in 2021 at the new campus of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The experiment was a Completely Randomized Factorial Design with two factors; the first factor was the inoculation of biofertilizer at three levels (Barvar-2, Actinomycetes, Barvar-2 + Actinomycetes), and the second factor was wheat and barley at 14 levels (eight varieties of wheat: Marwarid, Gonbad, Karim, Ihsan, Darya, N-91-8, N-91-9, and N-91-17 and six varieties of barley: Mahor, Torkman, Sahra, Boomy, Yusuf, and Lukht) all with three replications. Results indicated that the effect of genotype on all the traits considered in this study (leaf dry weight, stem, root, shoot, and total) was significant at a 1% level of confidence and that barley (Boomy and Sahra cultivars) had higher amounts of dry weight. On the other hand, biofertilizer did not reveal a significant effect on the traits; however, the interaction of genotype and biofertilizer indicated a significant effect on the dry weight of roots, and the highest amount was found in Marwarid genotype and actinomycetes experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of steroid glycosides isolated from the aerial part of plants of the Scrophulariaceae family on the parameters of growth, photosynthetic activity and productivity of spring barley plants, when they grow in the field, in comparison with the wellknown growth regulator Ekostim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the impact of some herbicides and herbicide combinations on elements of yield in winter barley a field experiment was carried out under the block method, in 12 variants and 4 replicates using the herbicides: Granstar 75 DF, Derby Super WG, Secator OD; Lintur 70 WG, Stomp New 330 °C and Axial 050 EC. It has been found that the plants with the highest tiller productivity were the variants treated with Lintur 70WG and the combination of Secator OD + Axial 050 EC. The longest spikes were found in the plants treated individually with Secator OD. The largest is the number of spikes of plants treated with Stomp New 33 EC and the combination Lintur 70WG + Axial 050 EC. The herbicide combinations Granstar 75DF + Axial 050EK and Secator OD + Axial 050 EC imported into wheat seed provided the largest number of grains per spike. The largest grain weight per spike had a hand weeded control and herbicide combinations Granstar 75 DF+Axial 050 EK and Secator OD + Axial 050 EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to test the varietal mixtures of barley in intercropping system and to select genotypes adapted for the redesign of breeding programs in the management of modern agroecosystems. Descriptors such as yield / genotypes, seeds weight and foliar diseases were evaluated in 36 barley genotypes (10 advanced cultivars, 16 local populations, 10 inbred lines) by testing in mono-cropping and intercropping experiments in two years (2019, 2021), in the climatic conditions of northeastern Romania. Intercropping experiments (barley-oats, barley-white lupine) versus mono-cropping (barley, oats, white lupine) were performed in blocks with 36 genotypes sown in alternating rows (intercropping) and successive (mono-cropping) 2 m long and 12.5 cm between rows, for each variant. The results obtained of the barley evaluation in the two cropping systems by using the descriptors of productivity, disease and equivalent land ratio (LER) showed: high barley yield in mono-cropping and intercropping systems with white lupine, low incidence of powdery and life stripe in white lupine intercropping and spot blotch in oat intercropping, respectively positive interspecific interference regarding the resources in white lupine intercropping especially of local barley populations (LER-1.15). The selection of the varietal mixture (7-advanced cultivars, 13 local populations, 3 inbred lines) in the Ward dendogram can be used in intercropped crops and as genetic sources to obtain forms well adapted to the intercropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of 140 barley advanced lines, using Selection Index of Ideal Genotype (SIIG) and Adjusted Selection Index of Ideal Genotype (ASIIG) indicators for introduction and cultivation of suitable lines in rainfed conditions. The highest coefficient of variation was related to the type of spike, flag leaf area, seeds per spike, peduncle length, flag leaf width, and early growth vigor. The stepwise regression showed that the early growth vigor, 1000-seeds weight, spike type, days to heading, plant height, number of seeds per spike, and flag leaf length were the most critical components, which affect the grain yield under the rainfed conditions. The results of SIIG showed that lines 4, 43, 47, 40, 70, 96, 137, 3, 57, and 45 were the best lines with the highest SIIG values. The SIIG index divided all lines into seven groups; the average grain yield of lines in groups I and II were higher than the average grain yield of control cultivars and the other groups. According to ASIIG plots, lines 47, 3, 43, 45, 137, 96, and 40 were placed in the ideal quarter. Finally, the SIIG and ASIIG were compatible in selecting the best lines. ASIIG was more suitable for separating the ideal lines, because it participated all traits commensurate with their importance in the end product quantity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf spotting is one of the most common and harmful diseases of white straw crops in Northern Kazakhstan and is caused by some fungi as Drechslera graminea, Cochliobolus sativus Pine., Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternaria fungi species: Alternaria arborescens, Alternaria tenuissima, Alternaria alternate, Alternaria triticina. The symptoms of leaf spotting vary, depending on the genotype of the host plant, the phase of plant development, and environmental conditions. The fungus infects through direct penetration into the epidermis of young leaves or through the stomata, forming clearly limited, dark brown spots. The first signs of the disease appear on the seedlings in spring, in the form of oval brown spots. Spots can develop on leaves and leaf sheaths at all stages of plant development. The majority of barley varieties, cultivated in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan, have a comparative resistance to fungal diseases in terms of resistance to leaf spotting. As a result of studying the nature of stability of barley varieties, Solontsoviy variety was characterized by low plant damage during ontogeny. Such varieties as Donetsk 9, Astana 2007, Karaganda 5, Medicum 307, Tselinniy 30 and Tselinniy 93 are moderately resistant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three hulless barley varieties were grown under normal conditions during 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, to improve their agronomic yield, and to assess how the genotype influences β‐glucan contents, and its structural, thermal, rheological, and functional properties, as intended to be used in food applications. The extracted gums with hot water at 55 °C and pH 8.0, showed contents from 5.75% to 6.41% (w/w), and concentrations from 68.55% to 79.29% of β‐glucan, with some starch and protein impurities. The results of the agronomic trail indicated the highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) influence of the genotype on all studied characteristics, and on the β‐glucan contents (0.28** and 0.33**) at both seasons. The morphology of the three gums was significantly different in the distribution and structure of networks. Peak intensities of the –OH and –CH groups and CH2 stretching were higher and wider in Giza129 and Giza131. β‐Glucan networks melt from 71.5 to 87.18 °C, and Giza131 exhibited the highest thermal stability. The aqueous dispersions (1%) of β‐glucan gums exhibited a non‐Newtonian behavior, and Giza130 presented the highest significant (P ≤ 0.05) apparent viscosity (η) and foaming stability. Giza129 showed the highest significant water and fat binding capacities, whereas Giza131 showed the highest significant foaming capacity. β‐Glucan gums showed different potentials in food applications as fat replacers, stabilizers, thickeners, and foaming agents in food systems. This study suggests planting the proper barley variety in breeding and genetic improvement programs to supply the food industry with the expected β‐glucan content with consistent structural, thermal, rheological, and functional properties. Practical Application: β‐Glucans play an important technological role in processed foods. Little current information is available on β‐glucan contents, and its potentiality on food applications, as influenced by variability among hulless barley genotypes. Accordingly, knowledge of β‐glucan levels in barley varieties is a valuable attribute for both consumers and food processors, and it will create an opportunity for scientific cooperation between food technologist and breeders to identify the suitable barley varieties to be used in breeding programs, to obtain barley with required β‐glucan contents, targeted for specific end uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at the level of a pilot farm located in eastern Algeria under a humid bioclimatic stage, during two successive crop years. The study focused on a F1 generation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) consisting of twelve hybrids from a complete diallel cross between the two locals varieties (Saida and Tichedrett) and two other introduced varieties (Nadawa and Fouara). The aim was to determine the value of parental genotypes as genitors and to analyze their descendants, while evaluating the phenotypic variability of ten quantitative variables. Analysis of the variance revealed a significant difference for the whole of parameters studied in the parents as in their descendants. Additive and non-additive effects are involved in the genetic control of the analyzed variables. The Hayman model (1954) seems acceptable for five variables on ten variables studied for which additive effects are more important than dominance effects. The analysis of the heterosis effect was significant for the characters tested. For the productivity of the plant, eight hybrids on twelve have expressed a positive heterosis compared to the mid- parent, six combinations on twelve have registered a positive heterosis compared to the over-batter parent and compared to the best variety with an overall heterosis of 17.53%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of 3 year research studies on the productivity, content and amount of crude protein recorded by the winter barley variety Zimovyi in multifactorial field experiments. It has been established the effect of forerunner plants on the productivity of winter barley crops which was of 72.37%. On average, over 2 years of research, it was recorded the yield of 3609 kg/ha after the forerunner grain peas, while after the forerunner vetch-oat it was of 2507 kg/ha. The effect of planting dates constituted 24.55%. The highest grain yield was obtained on the optimal planting dates - 3750 kg/ha after the forerunner grain peas and 2631 kg/ha on the admissible planting dates after the forerunner vetch-oats.The amount of crude protein in the winter barley grains is higher after the forerunner vetch-oats - 12.13%, exceeding the value of 0.16% obtained after the forerunner grain peas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out including three barley varieties (Reks, NS 293 and Egej), treated with six herbicides (2,4-D, MCPP+dicamba, triasulfuron+dicamba, 2,4-D+florasulam, amidosulfuron+iodosulfuron and florasulam+flumetsulam) in the three different growth stages (tillering, first node and second node). The aim of this experiment was to consider the influence of herbicides (applied in different growth stages) on germination of barley seeds. In all experimental years herbicides did not significantly influence barley seed germination. The growth stage during herbicide application did not affect germination of barley. If conditions do not allow herbicides to be used in the optimal period, it can be used until second node stage, without having a negative impact on the barley seeds germinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though detailed analysis of malt provides information on its suitability for processing in the brewery, unequivocal relationship between the quality characteristics of the malt and the sensory properties of the beer is not clear. Pilot brewing tests with twelve malting barley varieties registered in the Czech Republic with detailed chemical and sensory analysis were repeated for four years. The results showed some specific characteristics of the varieties and contributed to the knowledge of the relations between the quality features of the malt and the sensory quality of the Czech lager beer and, moreover, the interaction of individual basic descriptors of beer taste. The colour of beers and the polyphenols are affected by decoction mashing, the prediction of beer values from malt analysis is limited. Based on the overall sensory impression, only the best-rated beers (Laudis 550, Bojos and Francin) from the worst-rated KWS Irina variety were distinguished. The harvest year-dependent proteins in barley significantly influenced the malt and beer quality. The varieties were partially distinguished by a principal component analysis of the basic sensory descriptors, but the important factor was the harvest year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is a popular cereal crop of nutritious and industrial importance and there is always a scope to improve a particular crop in view of its value and demand. Spatio-temporal studies discuss the diversity level among the existing varieties as well as the trend of genetic variation over a period of time and are useful in designing suitable strategies for genetic enhancement and improvement of a particular crop. Here, we used SSR markers to assess the level of spatio-temporal genetic diversity among fifty diverse released varieties of barley from India. Spatial diversity (0.233±0.16) was higher in varieties having exotic parentage as compared to the indigenous varieties (0.176±0.18) and significant diversity was also observed among the varieties released from different developing centers. There was a rising trend in % polymorphism and other diversity parameters among the barley varieties released before 1960s to 1970s, which may be attributed to the increasing usage of exotic germplasm during these decades. Increase in temporal diversity from 1970s to 1980s and to 1990s was not much as compared to earlier decades, which suggests that more diverse germplasm should be used to widen the genetic base of barley varieties released over the years. Further, structure and AMOVA results revealed strong differentiation among spatial groups, but not between temporal groups. The role of spatio-temporal genetic diversity studies and the importance of periodic monitoring of the varieties released for further crop improvement was emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To simultaneously increase the thermostability and catalytic activity of barley β-amylase. The amino acid sequences of various barley β-amylases with different enzyme properties were aligned, two amino acid residues R115 and T387 were identified to be important for barley β-amylase properties. R115C and T387V were then generated using site-directed and saturation mutagenesis. R115C and T387V mutants increased the enzyme catalytic activity and thermostability, respectively. After combinational mutagenesis, the T 50 value and t (1/2,60 o C) value of R115C/T387V mutant reached 59.4 °C and 48.8 min, which were 3.6 °C higher and 29.5 min longer than those of wild-type. The k cat / K m value of mutant R115C/T387V were 59.82/s·mM, which were 54.7% higher than that of wild-type. The increased surface hydrophobicity and newly formed strong hydrogen bonds and salt bridges might be responsible for the enzyme thermostability improvement while the two additional hydrogen bonds formed in the active center may lead to the catalytic property enhancement. The mutant R115C/T387V showed high catalytic activity and thermostability indicating great potential for application in industry. • Through barley sequence alignment, 12 different amino acid sites were identified. C115 was found in two barley varieties with high enzyme activity, and two barley varieties with low enzyme activity also posses C115, T387A mutation was found in β-amylase from barley W127 which showed the highest enzymatic activity. • R115C and T387V mutants increased the enzyme catalytic activity and thermostability, respectively. The reasons for the barley varieties that posses C115 with low enzyme activity may be amino acids differences at other sites. • The T 50 value and t (1/2,60 o C) value of double mutant R115C/T387V were 3.6 °C higher and 29.5 min longer than that of wild-type. The k cat and k cat / K m value of mutant R115C/T387V were 15.3% and 54.7% higher than those of wild-type. • The increased surface hydrophobicity and newly formed strong hydrogen bonds and salt bridges is responsible for the enzyme thermostability improvement. the additional hydrogen bonds formed in the active center may lead to the catalytic property enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yield potential of 60 spring barley varieties was examined under controlled drought and natural conditions in the years 2011–2013. The studied varieties were genotyped with the 1536‐SNP barley oligonucleotide assay. In experiments with controlled drought conditions, the grain yield, 1,000‐grain weight, number of productive tillers and length of the main stem were measured. Physicochemical properties such as the specific surface area, water adsorption energy, fractal dimension and nanopore radius of the plant leaves were determined and correlated with yield‐forming traits. Field trials were conducted over 3 years at 14 locations, where along with the yield‐related traits, monthly rainfall and average temperature were monitored. Five varieties of high yield and five varieties relatively stable under both semi‐controlled and natural conditions were distinguished. The yield‐related traits observed in various locations were related to environmental variables relevant to water availability. The sum of the rainfall in April and May was negatively correlated with the 1,000‐grain weight and positively with the plant height. Positive relationships were found between plant height and temperatures in June and July. Five markers detected earlier as linked to the quantitative trait loci in the mapping populations were identified to have a coherent effect among varieties of various pedigree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) is a plastid-localized protein that acts as plastoquinol oxidase. The objective of this study was to determine the role of plastid terminal oxidase in response to drought stress and examine the differential response of PTOX pathway in both cultivated (Yousef and Morocco) and tolerant wild barley (spantaneum; HS) genotypes. Plants were subjected to different levels of soil water availability including control, mild and severe drought stress. Decrease in leaf relative water content as a result of progressive drought stressed led to decrease in stomatal conductance and increased enzymatic antioxidant machinery in all genotypes. Drought stress did not affect the PTOX transcript and protein level in cultivated genotypes Yousef and Morocco. However, PTOX gene expression and protein content significantly increased in HS genotype under severe drought. Assessment of PTOX activity via fast fluorescence induction curve in presence of PTOX specific inhibitor revealed that PTOX could efficiently oxidize plastoquinon pool and acts as alternative electron pathway in HS genotype. Results indicated that the role of PTOX in stress response was more significant in the wild barley than the cultivated barley varieties, where the emphasis has been on the desirable agronomic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley varieties of differing fungal disease resistance were grown in triplicate plots at Lacombe and Lethbridge, Alberta with the disease resistant variety (FR) sprayed with a foliar fungicide to maximize differences in field fungal disease. Both varieties were harvested at soft dough and ensiled in minisilos to assess differences in fungal contamination on ensiling properties, nutritional quality, aerobic stability and associated bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Data were analysed as repeated measures with the effect of treatment × time (duration of ensiling or aerobic exposure) included in the model. The percentage leaf area diseased by net form net blotch was higher (p < 0.05) in the untreated barley cv. Sundre (UN, 59.1% leaf area affected at Lacombe and 25.2% at Lethbridge) than in the FR barley cv. Chigwell (0.7% leaf area affected at Lacombe and 0.1% at Lethbridge). Fungal resistant barley had a lower (p < 0.01) acid and neutral detergent fibre content. Relative abundance of Xanthomonadales was higher (p = 0.02) for FR than UN, while Lactobacillales dominated the bacterial microbiome after 60 day of ensiling in both silages. Bacillales dominated both FR and UN after 21 day of aerobic exposure. Fungal resistant fresh barley forage had a tendency (p = 0.10) for a greater relative abundance of Pleosporales, while UN had higher (p < 0.01) Hypocreales. Mould counts were lower (p = 0.01) for FR than UN after 7 day of ensiling. Fungal resistant barley had minimal influence on the fungal community that contributed to the aerobic deterioration of barley silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor soil fertility is a major constraint to crop productivity in the highlands of Ethiopia. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization, variety and growing season on grain yield and yield related traits, and determine relationships among agronomic traits of malting barley. The treatments studied were five N levels (0, 23, 46, 69 and 92 kg ha−1) and two malting barley varieties (Miscal-21 and Holker) over three growing seasons (2012, 2013 and 2014) at Bekoji, south eastern Ethiopia. The results revealed that as N rates increased, grain yield, number of tillers and spikes per square meter, biomass yield at harvest, days to physiological maturity, spike length and number of kernels per spike increased, but harvest index decreased. Grain yield, harvest index, number of tillers and spikes per square meter, spike length and biomass yield at harvest were greater in Miscal-21, whilst days to maturity and number of kernels per spike were greater in Holker. Grain yield, harvest index, number of tillers and spikes per square meter, spike length, biomass yield at harvest and days to maturity were significantly affected by seasonal conditions, but spike length and kernels per spike were not affected. Grain yield was positively influenced by the number of tillers per square meter, biomass yield at harvest, spikes per square meter, spike length, kernels per spike and harvest index. However, the number of tillers per square meter followed by biomass yield and spikes per square meter largely determined grain yield. The results of the current study suggest that genetic improvement of those yield related traits is the likely basis of increasing grain yield in barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the effects of phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) applications on crop response and soil-P status of two-row malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under high-input conditions are limited in alkaline soils despite widespread fertilizer-P and -S use. A field study was conducted during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons where the barley cultivars (ABI-Voyager and Moravian 69) were grown at five rates of P (0, 37, 73, 110, and 147 kg P ha−1) and three rates of S (0, 112, 224 kg S ha−1). ABI-Voyager had significantly greater biological yield (17,023 kg ha−1) and grain yield (7433 kg ha−1) but a lower (44%) harvest index (HI) than Moravian 69 (15,037 kg ha−1, 7168 kg ha−1 and 49%, respectively). Grain yield increased with rate of P-application until 37 kg P ha−1 where the maximum calculated yield was obtained at 98 kg P ha−1 by a quadratic model. Sulfur application had no significant effect on any of the measured crop or soil parameters. Olsen P increased linearly with greater fertilizer-P applications, indicating grain-P removal was not sufficient to reduce or retain STP concentrations at initial levels when P was applied. Crop-P uptake and soil-P response to fertilizer P applications are important, as remaining soil P is available for subsequent crop usage and may have potential negative environmental impacts. Thus, cultivar selection and appropriate fertilizer-P and S management will ensure optimal agronomic and economic returns while minimizing potentially negative environmental impacts for two-row malt barley produced in the western United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Waxy and non-waxy barley flours were selected for the extraction of starch nanoparticles. • Organic and alkali treatments were adopted to purify the barley waxy cultivar. • Nanoparticles with reduced mean diameter and thermal stability originated from waxy starch. • Amorphous nanoparticles derived from waxy and non-waxy barley starches were extracted. Abstract Waxy and non-waxy barley flours were selected as native material for the extraction, by acidic hydrolysis, of starch nanoparticles (NPs), with the main aim of evaluating how their different amylose/amylopectin ratio affected NPs structural characteristics. To this scope, two approaches based, respectively, on the use of NaCl/toluene (called organic treatment) and of sodium hydroxide solutions (called alkali treatment) were adopted in order to purify the waxy flours to give starch granules. Morphological investigations of waxy flour after alkali and organic treatments, before and after acetone washing, showed that the isolation methods of the starch did not affect the general morphologic characteristics of starch granules. The method found to provide the best outcomes in terms of thermal and morphological properties was also applied to purify the non-waxy barley. The results confirmed that waxy starch characterized by granules of smaller dimensions (WS) gave amorphous nanoparticles (WNP) with reduced mean diameter and thermal stability with respect to NPs obtained from non-waxy barley flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recent studies have shown that chlorophyll (Chl) b has an important role in the regulation of leaf senescence. However, there is only limited information about senescence of plants lacking Chl b and senescence-induced decrease in photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) function has not even been investigated in such plants. We have studied senescence-induced changes in photosynthetic pigment content and PSII and PSI activities in detached leaves of Chl b -deficient barley mutant, chlorina f2 f2 (clo). After 4 days in the dark, the senescence-induced decrease in PSI activity was smaller in clo compared to WT leaves. On the contrary, the senescence-induced impairment in PSII function (estimated from Chl fluorescence parameters) was much more pronounced in clo leaves, even though the relative decrease in Chl content was similar to wild type (WT) leaves (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. Bonus). The stronger impairment of PSII function seems to be related to more pronounced damage of reaction centers of PSII. Interestingly, exogenously applied plant hormone cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) was able to maintain PSII function in the dark senescing clo leaves to a similar extent as in WT. Thus, considering the fact that without BA the senescence-induced decrease in PSII photochemistry in clo was more pronounced than in WT, the relative protective effect of BA was higher in Chl b -deficient mutant than in WT. Highlights • Chl b deficiency accelerates dark senescence-induced inhibition of PSII function. • Exogenous cytokinin suppressed impairment of PSII function in Chl b -deficient mutant. • Cytokinin maintained PSII function more effectively in Chl b -deficient mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch gel electrophoresis was used to study polymorphism of hordeins encoded by the Hrd A and Hrd B loci in 34 local varieties of cultivated barley and 19 accessions of wild barley from Jordan. Thirty-two and 26 alleles for the Hrd A locus were identified in H. vulgare and H. spontaneum, respectively, and 42 and 32 alleles were detected for the Hrd B locus. Allelic frequencies of the Hrd A and Hrd B loci in cultivated barley varied within the range of 0.0029–0.2707 and 0.0029–0.1824, respectively, and within the range of 0.0105–0.1263 and 0.0105–0.0947 in wild barley. Six out of 52 alleles of Hrd A and four out of 70 alleles of Hrd В were common between Jordanian H. spontaneum and H. vulgare. Two of six common alleles of the Hrd A locus found in Jordanian wild and cultivated barley and one common allele of the Hrd В locus were discovered earlier among H. spontaneum accessions from Iran, Turkey, and Syria. However, three common alleles of Hrd A and three common alleles of Hrd В were detected only in Jordanian accessions of wild and cultivated barley. According to archaeological records, the earliest indications of barley utilization in Jordan appeared only in 6700 BC, whereas they were dated in Syria to 9000 BC and in Israel to 17 000 BC. We concluded that Jordan cannot be considered as domestication center of barley. At the same time, Jordanian H. spontaneum could have contributed some alleles of hordein-coding loci to the gene pool of H. vulgare owing to introgression resulting from spontaneous hybridization over the course of crop diffusion from the domestication center outward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Barley varieties showed different inhibition of xylanase and protease activity. • Apparent digestibility in pigs of nutrients varied with barley variety. • Exogenous xylanase had no major effect on digestibility of the measured nutrients. • Protease increased total tract digestibility of crude protein. Abstract Xylanase and protease inhibitors in cereals may be a reason for the varying efficacy of exogenous xylanase and protease in pig diets. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of xylanase and protease on the digestibility in pigs fed three barley varieties selected to be high and low in inhibitors. The cv. Invictus (spring barley) was selected to be low in xylanase inhibitors and cv. Hejmdal (winter barley) to be low in protease inhibitors, while SJ115158 (winter barley) was high in both xylanase and protease inhibitors. Growing pigs (34 ± 3 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the terminal ileum and allotted to a 7 × 6 Youden square design, where 7 animals were fed with 7 diets for 6 weeks. Ileal samples were collected for 8 h on day 5 and 7 of each experimental week and fecal samples were collected from the first feces excreted on the same collection days. Titanium dioxide was added to all diets as an indigestible solid phase marker for the calculation of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). There was no consistent effect of variety or enzymes on the viscosity of ileal digesta. The ATTD of dry matter and organic matter was higher (P < 0.05) for Invictus than SJ115158, which was higher (P < 0.05) than Hejmdal. For Hejmdal, the AID of dry matter and organic matter was also lower (P < 0.05) compared to SJ115158. Supplementation of exogenous xylanase increased AID of dry matter, whereas the other evaluated components were unaffected. The ATTD of crude protein was lower (P = 0.027) for Hejmdal than for SJ115158 and exogenous protease increased (P = 0.004) ATTD of crude protein in both SJ115158 and Hejmdal. In conclusion, this study shows differences in nutrient digestibility among barley varieties and low efficacies of the selected exogenous enzymes independent of barley variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To evaluate the potential of immature barley grain as a source of bioactive compounds and to elucidate the correlations between polysaccharides accumulation during barley kernel maturation, samples of barley grains (Hordeum vulgare L.) were collected at different stages after anthesis, including ripeness, and accumulation of fructan, β-glucan, total starch and proteins was studied. Fructan concentration in immature barley grain reaches a peak between 6 and 17 DAA with cultivar Scarlett accumulating the highest fructan content (9.5 g/100 g flour). β-Glucan and total starch showed a linear increase over ripening. Results obtained highlight physiological changes in polysaccharide accumulation during barley development and also supported the concept of immature barley kernel as an innovative functional ingredient contributing to fructan intake in the diet of the population. Highlights • Fructan and β-glucan content were investigated in developing barley kernels. • Fructan concentration showed a peak between 6 and 17 days after anthesis. • Cultivar Scarlett showed the highest fructan content (9.5 g/100 g flour). • β-Glucan substantially accumulated from 20 days after anthesis onward. • Immature barley flour can be potentially employed as a functional ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilocation testing remains the main tool for understanding varietal responses to the environment. Here, Latvian and Norwegian hull-less and hulled barley varieties were tested in field experiments in Latvia and Norway in order to assess the varieties adaptability across environments (sites). Two Latvian (cv Irbe and cv Kornelija) and one Norwegian hull-less barley variety (cv Pihl) were tested along with one Latvian (cv Rubiola) and one Norwegian hulled barley variety (cv Tyra) under conventional and organic management systems. The grain yield, together with physical and chemical grain parameters were compared, and variety yield and protein stability determined. Overall, grain yield of hull-less barley varieties was significantly lower than for hulled barley varieties regardless of climatic conditions and management system. However, in the organic farming systems this difference between barley types was less pronounced. The hull-less barley varieties cv Pihl and cv Irbe, along with both hulled varieties, had good yield stability across environments and were well adapted to both cropping systems. Hull-less barley varieties tended to contain more protein and β -glucans than hulled barley varieties. Despite being bred for local conditions in Norway and Latvia, our study shows that all the varieties used may be successfully transferred across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptation of genotypes to environmental conditions is one of the main levers for maintaining an acceptable level of production, both in terms of quality and quantity. To breed suitable genotypes and for the farmers to choose the most adapted one to his farm conditions, the factors affecting production must be precisely characterized. Here, we analyzed the impacts of the climatic factors on winter barley yield in 35 départements (French geographic units) over 25 years, by partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis. Using ascendant hierarchical clustering based on PLS results, we defined the main combinations of climatic factors affecting yield in the French barley belt, hereafter referred as “climatic-stress patterns” (CPs). Four CPs captured 27% of total yield variability and widely differ in term of yield. Crops experienced low winter rainfall and few days with heat stress (31.8% of environments- mean yield of 7.2 t ha −1 ), high winter frost levels and high amounts of precipitation during stem elongation (34.7% of environments- mean yield of 6.5 t ha −1 ), high temperature during grain filling either with low vernalization temperatures (28.9% of environments- mean yield of 6.2 t ha −1 ), or high winter rainfall (4.6% of environments –mean yield of 5.5 t ha −1 ). Two-thirds of the French départements experienced all the four CPS over the years studied. Three clusters of regions with homogeneous frequencies of the CPs were identified. The regions with similar climatic-stress patterns could help breeders to design genotypes better adapted to the different local French growing conditions. It could also help farmers to choose the most appropriate cultivars to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity of seven Australian-grown barley varieties were characterized in this study. UHPLC with an online ABTS system was used to identify individual polyphenols while simultaneously measuring their antioxidant activity. The Q-TOF LC/MS system was utilized to identify the phenolic compounds that demonstrated substantial antioxidant activity. The variety, Hindmarsh, showed the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. There was no significant difference observed amongst the other varieties in their total phenolic content, however, they did have significant variation in proanthocyanidin content and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). Prodelphinidin B3 was the most abundant polyphenol with the highest antioxidant activity amongst all the barley varieties tested. Other polyphenols identified with antioxidant activity included procyanidin, glycosides of catechin and flavan-3-ols. Polyphenol characterization of Australian grown barley varieties demonstrated that they have significant antioxidant activity, hence, promoting the value of whole grain barley as a potential functional food ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a significant factor limiting crop production in arid conditions. In the dry climatic weather situation of southern Russia, ten-year laboratory trials and subsequent field experiments were laid out on various barley varieties collected across the globe during 2007--2017 period. This study was conducted to ascertain from the collection of barley cultivars of the entire world which one is best suited to stressful climatic conditions by being tolerant to drought, heat and salinity which can be adopted for barley breeding. According to the results obtained, the varieties that are tolerant to dry climatic conditions are as follows: Alga (Lithuania), Brenda, Henni (Germany), Décor (Great Britain), Furat 5 (Syria), Vakula (Ukraine), Ataman (Belarus) and Vladimir (Russia); heat resistant varieties are: Brenda (Germany), Alga (Lithuania), Furat 5 (Syria), Ataman (Belarus), Vladimir and Ratnik (Russia); Salt-resistant varieties: Alga (Lithuania), Henni (Germany) and Vladimir (Russia). The selected varieties did not show any sign of adverse weather effect resulting in stable grain productivity throughout the entire duration of this research over the years, they had large grain size and stable 1,000 grains weight. However, the yield of selected cultivars varied over the years which was about 1.1--1.4 t ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify desirable, and also non-informative or highly correlated locations using GGE biplot. In this study, ten barley genotypes were tested across five locations for two growing seasons in official state trials performed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia. In both growing seasons, environment had the highest influence on barley yield, explaining 77.70% in 2010/11 and 86.41% in 2011/12 growing season of the total variation. A significant grain yield variation explained by environmental effects indicated that the environments tested in our study were highly diverse. Together, PC1 and PC2 amounted 86.03% and 66.91% of the genotype and genotype × environment interaction sum of squares, in 2010/11 and 2011/12, respectively. The results indicate that Rimski šančevi was most favorable location and should be used for further multi-location trials while location Sremska Mitrovica was the least informative and it can be excluded from further trials. Excluding one of two similar environments could save resources with minimal risk to lose important information about genotypes performance. According to the results of our study, it can be concluded that GGE biplot is useful method for environment evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heading date (HD) of cereals is an important trait for adaptation to diverse environments and is critical for determining yield and quality and the number of genes and gene combinations that confer earliness in barley under short days is limited. In our study, a QTL for early flowering was identified from the cross between an Australian malting barley cultivar and a Chinese landrace. Four sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed with a QTL located on chromosome 5H at the interval of 122.0–129.0 cM. Further experiments were conducted to investigate how this gene was regulated by photoperiod using the NILs with three sowing dates from autumn to summer. The NILs carrying the earliness allele were significantly earlier than the late genotype at all sowing dates. This gene was different from previously reported vernalisation genes that are located at a similar position as no vernalisation was required for all the NILs. The difference between this gene and Eam5 (HvPHYC) locus which also located between two co-segregated markers (3398516S5, 122.5 cM, and 4014046D5, 126.1 cM), is that with the existence of Ppd-H1 (Eam1), Eam5 has no effect on ear emergence under long days while the gene from TX9425 still reduced the time to ear emergency. The locus showed no pleiotropic effects on grain pasting properties and agronomic traits except for spike length and number of spikelets per spike, and thus can be effectively used in breeding programs. The array of early heading dates caused by interactions of Eam5 gene with other maturity genes provides an opportunity to better fine tune heading dates with production environments, which can be critical factor in barley breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: We identified, fine mapped, and physically anchored a dominant spot blotch susceptibility gene Scs6 to a 125 kb genomic region containing the Mla locus on barley chromosome 1H.Abstract: Spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus is an important disease of barley, but the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance and susceptibility to the disease are not well understood. In this study, we identified and mapped a gene conferring susceptibility to spot blotch caused by the pathotype 2 isolate (ND90Pr) of C. sativus in barley cultivar Bowman. Genetic analysis of F1 and F2 progeny as well as F3 families from a cross between Bowman and ND 5883 indicated that a single dominant gene (designated as Scs6) conferred spot blotch susceptibility in Bowman. Using a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between Calicuchima-sib (resistant) and Bowman-BC (susceptible), we confirmed that Scs6, contributed by Bowman-BC, was localized at the same locus as the previously identified spot blotch resistance allele Rcs6, which was contributed by Calicuchima-sib and mapped on the short arm of chromosome 1H. Using a genome-wide putative linear gene index of barley (Genome Zipper), 13 cleaved amplified polymorphism markers were developed from 11 flcDNA and two EST sequences and mapped to the Scs6/Rcs6 region on a linkage map constructed with the DH population. Further fine mapping with markers developed from barley genome sequences and F2 recombinants derived from Bowman × ND 5883 and Bowman × ND B112 crosses delimited Scs6 in a 125 kb genomic interval harboring the Mla locus on the reference genome of barley cv. Morex. This study provides a foundational step for further cloning of Scs6 using a map-based approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The growth‐promoting rhizobacteria Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 positively affects many crops, but its influence on barley remains to be fully investigated. The aim of this study was to track early root growth of four barley cultivars that are widely used in Spanish breeding programmes under different growing scenarios. Different growth conditions are hypothesized to affect the response of young plants to A. brasilense Sp7, so seeds were inoculated with A. brasilense Sp7 and directly sown in the growth chamber, or planted in vitro. Plant height was measured and root structure analysed with the WinRHIZO program. Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 inoculation increased the length, surface area and number of root tips in both systems and in most cultivars in a similar way. Cultivars ‘Barberousse’ and ‘Plaisant’ were the most responsive to A. brasilense Sp7 treatment, while ‘Albacete’ was especially interesting in terms of its physiological interaction with A. brasilense Sp7 under abiotic stress imposed by the in vitro system. The utility of the in vitro system is criticized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, agro-morphological and yield-related traits associated with drought tolerance in 80 barley genotypes belonging to 15 wild species together with the cultivated one, and their potential to improve adaptation to different levels of drought stress conditions (moisture environments) were studied. There was significant genetic variation among the genotypes and species for all of the measured traits, as well as differential responses of genotypes across environments. The results indicated high variation for grain yield (GY) under drought stress among the genotypes, and that some of the wild genotypes had consistently superior specific adaptation to the water stress conditions. The genotypes belong to wild barley species, especially Hordeum murinum and Hordeum marinum had lower GY but relatively higher yield stability under different environments. Traits such as number of seed per plant and hundred kernel weight were positively correlated with GY in all of the environments. High negative correlation between GY and days to ripening was observed only under intense drought environment, showing drought escape as a strategy of wild plants under highly stressed conditions. Grouping of the genotypes by principal component analysis completely separated cultivated barley and its progenitor (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) from other wild genotypes; however, the other wild species were slightly separated from each other. In addition, the Iranian and foreign genotypes did not completely separate from each other. The identified wild barley genotypes with favourable characters and high drought tolerance could be used in genetic studies and barley improvement programmes especially for drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within temperate climates the frequency and severity of high and low temperature stresses vary with continentality. The current study reports on the assessment of the performance of 49 barley cultivars across four environments. The cultivars stem from 50 years of breeding activities in Romania and Italy, in two temperate climates that differ in continentality. The plants were phenotyped through stress monitoring, measurements of yield and yield related traits as well as laboratory stress tolerance tests. Genotypes for alleles of vernalisation and photoperiod genes were determined. These genes were significantly associated with frost damage in the field and frost tolerance in laboratory tests. Grain yield (GY) was more closely correlated with the number of grain sinks than with the degree of grain filling indicating major limitations in the vegetative growth phase and during grain initiation. High temperature stress during the grain filling phase significantly reduced GY. Frost damage due to freezing temperatures below -10 °C when plants were not protected by snow cover significantly reduced GY of sensitive cultivars. The characterisation of environmental cues that cause stresses with yield penalties as well as the susceptibility of genetically different cultivars lay the ground for future targeted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore colored Qingke as functional food ingredients, bioactive components (phenolic compounds and β-glucans) and their antioxidant capacities (DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS radical cation scavenging capacity, and reducing power) of colored (black, blue, and white) Qingke cultivars were determined and compared. Results showed that the highest average contents of total phenolics (4.37 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g DW, n = 3), total flavonoids (2.86 ± 0.11 mg RE/g DW, n = 3), total proanthocyanidins (2.54 ± 0.08 mg CE/g DW, n = 3), total anthocyanins (9.55 ± 0.28 mg cyanidin-3-glucose/100 g DW, n = 3), and total β-glucans (6.29 ± 0.02%, n = 3), as well as the highest average level of antioxidant capacities were observed in the black Qingke cultivar, followed by lower blue Qingke cultivar, and the lowest white Qingke cultivar. And besides, the highly positive correlations between antioxidant capacities and free phenolic compounds indicated that the phenolic compounds were the main contributors to the antioxidant activity of Qingke. Results showed that the colored Qingke was potential sources of phenolic compounds, β-glucans, and antioxidants, which suggested that the colored Qingke could be explored further as functional food ingredients for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine concentrations of 13 macro and trace elements in different barley genotypes depending on the year of growth (2011, 2012, and 2013) and agricultural practice (conventional/organic). Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Al concentrations were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and K, Na, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe concentrations by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistically different concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Zn occurred among genotypes; for Ca, Mn, and Fe concentrations between barley grains, grown conventionally and organically; for Cr and Ni concentrations between hulled and hull-less grain and for Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al, K, and Na concentrations among the study years. Concentrations of potentially hazardous elements were low (Cd < 0.005-0.027, Pb 0.013-0.066, Cr 0.111-0.327, Ni 0.161-1.264, Cu 2.8-4.7 and Al 1.62-6.09 mg·kg-1). Barley products can provide necessary macro and trace elements, especially of Mn, Mg, Fe, and Zn (7.8-16.1; 1024-1249; 29.2-52.9, and 20.5-33.7 mg·kg-1, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of three highland barley varieties. The free, bound, and total phenolic content of highland barley, respectively ranged from 44.52 to 178.37 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g dry weight (D. W.), 121.69–302.55 mg GAE/100 g D. W., and 166.21–480.92 mg GAE/100 g D. W. Besides, the free, bound, and total flavonoid content, respectively, ranged from 15.71 to 35.18 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/100 g D. W., 39.37–86.93 mg RE/100 g D. W., and 59.13–102.64 mg RE/100 g D. W. The 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging abilities, oxygen radical absorbance capacities, ferric reducing antioxidant power values, and cellular antioxidant activities of the bound extractions of highland barley were higher than those of the free extractions. However, the free polyphenol extracts had stronger inhibitory effects on HepG2 cell proliferation than the bound extracts. Practical applications: Highland barley is a principal food crop that is widely cultivated in the west and southwest regions of China. Highland barley is usually rich in phenolic compounds, however, the phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activities of highland barley were underestimated because the bound phytochemical fraction was not included in the analysis. In this study, three highland barleys from different region of China were used to analysis the free and bound total phenolics and total flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background and Aims Ramularia collo-cygni is an ascomycete fungus that colonizes barley primarily as a benign endophyte, although this interaction can become pathogenic, causing the disease Ramularia leaf spot (RLS). Factors, particularly reactive oxygen species, that resulted in the transition of the fungus from endophyte to necrotrophic parasite and the development of disease symptoms were investigated. • Methods Disease development in artificially inoculated seedlings of barley varieties varying in partial resistance to RLS was related to exposure to abiotic stress prior to inoculation. Histochemical and molecular analysis determined the effect of R. collo-cygni colonization on accumulation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant gene expression. Development of RLS on barley lines defective in antioxidant enzymes and with altered redox status or non-functional chloroplasts was compared with the accumulation of fungal biomass to determine how these factors affect disease symptom expression. • Key Results Exposure to abiotic stress increased symptom development in all susceptible and most partially resistant barley varieties, in association with greater hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in leaves. Decreased activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in transgenic and mutant plants had no effect on the disease transition, whereas manipulation of H2O2 levels during asymptomatic growth of the fungus increased disease symptoms in most susceptible varieties but not in partially resistant plants. Barley mutants that undergo rapid loss of green leaf area when infected by R. collo-cygni or albino mutants with non-functional chloroplasts showed reduced development of RLS symptoms. • Conclusions These results imply that in seedlings the pathogenic transition of the normally endophytic fungus R. collo-cygni does not result from senescence as such, but rather is promoted by factors that result in changes to host reactive oxygen species. Barley varieties vary in the extent to which these factors promote RLS disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference genes are selected based on the assumption of temporal and spatial expression stability and on their widespread use in model species. They are often used without validation in the studied species. For barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), previous reference gene validation studies have been limited by the number of tissues, cultivars, and/or reference gene candidates assayed. Publically available bioinformatic resources are now available that enable efficient assessment of much larger numbers of candidate genes than is possible with empirical approaches. Expression sequence tag pro- file viewer data from the UniGene library were used to predict the expression stability of 655 barley genes. The expression profiles of 20 gene candidates predicted to be stable across tissue types were evaluated in eight tissues of the cultivar 'Conlon' by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The five most stable genes were then tested in the barley cultivars 'Golden Promise' and 'Harrington' and (to test potential applicability to other Poaceae species) in the oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar 'Hifi'. The traditional reference gene actin and the candidate genes elongation factor EF-2 and malate dehydrogenase demonstrated the most stable expression. The predictive capacity of bioinformatics to identify suitable reference genes was demonstrated. Four genes with better stability than all except one traditionally used reference gene were discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Glucan is an important chemical found in cereals, tremendously beneficial to human health. In this study, β-glucan contents in wild and cultivated barley from representative regions worldwide were investigated. Results exhibited that coefficient of variation of β-glucan content of wild and cultivated barley was 24.18% and 13.99%, respectively. The β-glucan contents of studied wild barley accessions were ranged from 3.26% to 7.67% while cultivated barley varieties were ranged from 2.68% to 4.74%. A significant difference of β-glucan content (p ≤ 0.001) was found between wild and cultivated barely. Wild barley showed a higher β-glucan content and variation than cultivated barley. This study gives an idea about elite germplasms for genetic improvement and shed light to trace barley domestication in relation to grain metabolite view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study suggested utilization of barley husk obtained as a by-product during extraction of starch from barley grains in preparation of unleavened flat bread (chapatti). The barley husk was added at (5–30) % level to wheat flour. These flour and husk blends were then turned into dough by adding water based on farinograph water absorption. It was observed that gluten index reduced with addition of fiber suggesting weakened gluten network. This was also confirmed with increase in mixing tolerance index (MTI) values on addition of barley fiber. The correlation between percent fiber and MTI was found to be 0.899 (p < 0.01). Alveograph showed reduction in “L” values on addition of husk suggesting reduction in dough extensibility. The doughs with reduced elasticity led to formation of chapattis which were less elastic and harder as observed through Universal Testing Machine. For all doughs (with and without fiber) storage modulus (G′) was found to be higher than loss modulus. The slopes measured through linear regression of log G’ vs. log (frequency) declined with increase of fiber in dough. Interestingly, it was observed that the sensory panelists were unable to perceive the differences in quantity of fiber in various chapattis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 50% sifted barley flour from six different varieties and 50% refined wheat flour was used to bake bread. The flour mixture and the bread crumb and crust were analysed for content and composition of total dietary fibre, arabinoxylan, fructan, β-glucan, starch and resistant starch. Total dietary fibre content and extractability were not changed significantly by bread making. The extractability of mixed-linkage (1 → 3), (1 → 4)- β-D-glucan (β-glucan) increased with baking, while the average molecular weight of β-glucan decreased. However in one variety, SLU 7, higher average molecular weight was maintained and a different pattern was apparent in the molecular weight distribution. SLU 7 is thereby promising for inclusion in bread where a higher molecular weight of β-glucan is preferred, especially since the content of β-glucan in SLU 7 is high. The resistant starch formed positively correlated with amylose content. The high amylose variety yielded 2.9% resistant starch in the bread crumb, making an important contribution to total dietary fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to investigate effects of microwave irradiation on truly nutrients supply of newly developed hulless barley varieties in comparison with conventional hulled barley. The barley samples were irradiated with microwave at 900 W with a frequency of 2450 MHz for zero, three and five minutes. The results showed that five-minute microwave irradiation decreased ( P < 0.05) the digestibility of rumen bypass or undegraded carbohydrates (dBCHO) and total digestible carbohydrates (TDCHO), increased ( P < 0.05) intestinal degradable protein (IDP), and total digestible protein (TDP). In addition, microwave irradiation treatments increased the digestibility of rumen bypass starch (dBST) and intestinal digestible rumen bypass starch ( P < 0.05). In contrast to hulled barley, hulless barley had higher ( P < 0.01) levels of IDP, TDP, dBCHO, intestinal digestible rumen bypass carbohydrate (IDBCHO), and lower ( P < 0.05) TDCHO, dBST and total digestible starch content. Five-minute microwave irradiation increased ( P < 0.01) undegradable protein, intestinal truly absorbed undegradable protein, and metabolizable protein (MP NRC ), decreased ( P < 0.01) intestinal truly absorbed microbial protein (AMCP NRC ) and degraded protein balance (OEB NRC ). The correlation results showed that the amylose level was positively correlated with IDBCHO ( P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with OEB NRC ( P < 0.01), AMCP NRC ( P < 0.05) and MP NRC ( P < 0.10). In conclusion, microwave irradiation could increase the levels of intestinal degradable protein, total digestible protein, intestinal digestible rumen bypass carbohydrates and starch in barley. The predicted truly absorbed protein supply to dairy cattle from barley was improved by microwave treatment and better results were observed with the 5 min treatment duration. In general, hulless barley provided higher truly absorbable nutrient supply to dairy cattle than hulled barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium is a common fungal disease in grains that reduces the yield of barley and wheat. In this study, a near infrared reflectance spectroscopic technique was used with a statistical prediction model to rapidly and non-destructively discriminate grain samples contaminated with Fusarium. Reflectance spectra were acquired from hulled barley, naked barley, and wheat samples contaminated with Fusarium using near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy with a wavelength range of 1175-2170 nm. After measurement, the samples were cultured in a medium to discriminate contaminated samples. A partial least square discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) prediction model was developed using the acquired reflectance spectra and the culture results. The correct classification rate (CCR) of Fusarium for the hulled barley, naked barley, and wheat samples developed using raw spectra was 98% or higher. The accuracy of discrimination prediction improved when second and third-order derivative pretreatments were applied. The grains contaminated with Fusarium could be rapidly discriminated using spectroscopy technology and a PLS-DA discrimination model, and the potential of the non-destructive discrimination method could be verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]