ARS | Publication request: Genetic dissection of grain beta-glucan and amylose content in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Submitted to: Molecular Breeding
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 14, 2012
Publication Date: July 5, 2012
Repository URL: http://riley.nal.usda.gov/nal_web/digi/submission.html
Citation: Islamovic, E., Obert, D.E., Oliver, R.E., Harrison, S.A., Ibrahim, A., Marshall, J.M., Miclaus, K.J., Hu, G., Jackson, E.W. 2012. Genetic dissection of grain beta-glucan and amylose content in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Molecular Breeding. doi:10.1007/s11032-012-9764-1.

Interpretive Summary: Beta glucan is a soluble fiber found in barley which has beneficial effects on humans, such as lowering cholesterol, controlling blood sugar and stimulating the immune system. Our study investigates inheritance of beta glucan content in barley. We identified which regions of chromosomes, also known as QTLs, are involved in elevating beta glucan levels in barley. This result will help plant breeders produce new barley cultivars with higher levels of beta glucan.

Technical Abstract: High beta glucan (BG) barleys (Hordeum vulgare L.) have major potential as food ingredients due to the well know health benefits. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with BG have been reported in hulled barley, however no QTL studies have been reported in hulless barley. In this study, QTL analysis was performed to identify markers linked to high BG and amylose (Amy) in hulless Falcon (4-5% BG) and Azhul (8-9% BG) barley using a newly developed recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population. The population was grown over three years (2007-2009) at sites in Yuma, AZ; Leeston, New Zealand; Aberdeen, ID; and Tetonia, ID. We identified 17 quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with either BG or Amy content. QTLs contributing to high BG were located on chromosomes 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H and 7H, while QTLs contributing to Amy were located on chromosomes 1H, 5H and 7H. Additionally, we identified QTLs affecting both BG and Amy content located on chromosomes 1H and 7H. This work will provide the basis for gene cloning and marker assisted selection in combination with traditional field selection to improve barley breeding for high BG content.