Barley carbohydrate composition varies with genetic and abiotic factors

Sammendrag

Changes in chemical quality arising from genetic composition of different barley varieties as well as non-genetic factors were investigated by comparing samples from different seasons and locations. The samples (15), consisting of different varieties originating from Norway and Canada, were analysed for polysaccharide composition as well as total protein content. The results revealed differences in chemical parameters between the hulled and hull-less varieties, especially in carbohydrate composition. Also, variations within the types were found, which indicated that factors other than the presence or lack of hull may also influence the carbohydrate composition. As expected, varieties grown at the same location in both seasons had a lesser variation in their grain composition between the growing periods than varieties grown at different locations. Changing the growth location from Canada to Norway also gave an increase in starch and insoluble fibre, but decreased the amount of beta-glucan, protein and soluble fibre. Promising varieties for the food industry are samples with an atypical starch characteristic without hull, due to higher levels of the proposed health-beneficial components. Also, the commercial Norwegian variety, Olve, had an advantageous grain composition and is a promising variety for food uses.