Genetic and environmental variation in the pentosan and β-glucan contents of barley, and their relation to malting quality

Abstract

The genetic and environmental variation in pentosans and (1 → 3), (1 → 4)-β-glucans was examined in 17 varieties of barley grown at three different locations. The arabinose, xylose and total pentosan contents and the arabinose:xylose and pentosan: β-glucan ratios were all influenced by environment. Genetic differences were found in arabinose, xylose, total pentosan and β-glucan contents and in pentosan: β-glucan ratio. The pentosan content of the varieties varied from 4·4% to 7·8% and the β-glucan content from 3·4 Y. to 5·7%. Significant genetic differences were not observed for the arabinose:xylose ratio. The β-glucan and pentosan contents were correlated with the malt extract obtained on micro-malting. Smaller grains had a higher pentosan content and pentosan: β-glucan ratio.