The Kernels Endosperm Colour of a Longitudinal Section of Malting Barley and the Similarity amongst Varieties Part I. The Kernel Endosperm Colour of the Longitudinal Section Before Malting

Abstract

Microstructure of malting barley kernels is one of the most significance factor of malt quality and is determined using simple evaluation of vitreous or mealy areas. The object of investigation was to verify the hypothesis, that the colour of endosperm of malting barley kernels depends of variety. The investigated materials were grains of 13 varieties of malting barley. The similarity of varieties was estimated by the electrophoresis of hordeins. The colour was measured using DIA system LUCIA G. It was found, that only the varieties for which the hordein image differed most (Maresi, Sezam, Granal) also differed in terms of the endosperm colour. The differences were statistically significant at p = 0.05. In majority of investigated varieties the endosperm colour was not specific variety feature, however, they are distinguished by hordein electrophoresis.