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Abstract: The Influence of Genotype x Environment on Beta-Glucan in Barley and Using NIRS to Determine Beta-Glucan

 
 
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 The beta-glucans are part of the cell wall soluble polysaccharides found in seeds of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and other members of the Gramineae. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of genotype and environment on whole barley grain beta-glucan content. The beta-glucan content was measured using near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) techniques. A wide range of diverse barley genotypes were grown during the years 1999, 2000 and 2001 in separate tests at four to five locations in Alberta. Results were subjected to analysis of variance and influences of environmental factors were evaluated by comparing differences between location mean beta-glucan values. The analysis of variance showed highly significant (P</=0.01) genotype variation and genotype x environment and genotype x year interactions. The significant interactions were more strongly affected by genotype than by environment and year. The genotype mean beta-glucan ranged between 2.59 and 5.29%. The location beta-glucan mean values were between 3.86 and 3.97%, and the year beta-glucan means values were between 3.88 and 4.27%. Genotype beta-glucan showed excellent stability across environments and over years.

Joseph M. Nyachiro, James H. Helm and Lori Oatway
Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, Field Crop Development Centre

Presented at the 3rd Canadian Barley Symposium, June 19-20, 2003

  
 
 
 
For more information about the content of this document, contact Lori Oatway.
This information published to the web on October 3, 2003.