Barley Kernels Research Articles

Genetic analysis of barley for Shochu quality

Malting barley is a primary ingredient for barley Shochu, a Japanese traditional spirit. The production process of barley Shochu consists of the pearling operation where the outer layer of barley kernels is removed and the fermentation process where the pearled barley is fermented and distilled. Due to the labour-intensive nature of the conventional evaluation, a more simple and rapid method is required to assess the suitability of malting barley varieties for Shochu purposes. The present study was conducted to identify genetic regions responsible for barley Shochu quality in an effort to develop a marker-assisted selection method. A doubled haploid population generated from a Commander/WI4191 cross was tested for pearling suitability and flavour component levels in the mash and Shochu, and QTL analysis was performed across two consecutive years using the Shochu quality data sets and a 2531-point linkage map. As a result, consistent QTL for pearling yield were detected on chromosome 1H, which were considered to be a possible selection tool. Fourteen QTL were associated with seven flavour compounds in the mash and Shochu.

Trichothecene chemotype diversity of Fusarium graminearum isolated from wheat, maize and barley in Serbia

Diversity of trichothecene chemotypes of Fusarium graminearum isolated from kernels of wheat, barley and maize grown under various agro-ecological conditions on 13 locations was analysed. Sixteen strains were tested for the effective capability to produce 15-ADON, 3-ADON and NIV, by using the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system. Fourteen out of sixteen analyzed strains produced 15-ADON, while remaining two were of the 3-ADON chemotype. Multiplex PCR reaction with two sets of specific primers for TRI3 and TRI12 genes was applied to identify trichothecene chemotypes (3-ADON, 15-ADON and NIV). The expected sizes of amplified fragments for TRI3 gene primer set are 840 bp (NIV), 610 bp (15-ADON) and 243 bp (3-ADON). The amplified fragments for TRI12 gene primer set should be 840 bp (NIV), 670 bp (15-ADON) and 410 bp (3-ADON). All F. graminearum isolates were of the 15-ADON chemotype, i.e. their bands were 610 bp and 670 bp size for TRI3 and TRI12 genes, respectively. The results indicate that genotypic characterisation does not correspond to determined chemotypes and this is a reason why the analyses for the risk of mycotoxins contamination should not be based only on trichotecene genotype determination. Due to high temperature differences in cereal growing regions in Serbia, the presence of other chemotypes could be expected. In order to determine whether besides 15-ADON there are other F. graminearum chemotypes on wheat, barley and maize kernels, further studies should include a large number of isolates from different agro-ecological conditions.

Kernel‐based gluten contamination of gluten‐free oatmeal complicates gluten assessment as it causes binary‐like test outcomes

SummaryGluten‐free (GF) foods, whose claim compliance is controlled at the ‘serving level’, hold better chances of protecting gluten‐intolerant consumers. This is particularly true for GF oatmeal, as oats are easily contaminated with gluten‐rich kernels of wheat, rye and barley, which remain intact to the spoon as pill‐like flakes. A single contaminant kernel in otherwise pure oats results in GF labelling noncompliance, thereby posing a risk to patients with coeliac disease. Our in‐market survey of 965 GF oatmeal servings uncovered that one in fifty‐seven servings exceeded the GF labelling maximum of 20 mg kg−1 (i.e. 20 ppm). The noncompliance pattern was ‘binary‐like’, with kernel‐based contamination the suspected pass/fail driver. We have highlighted probabilities of misassessment for various sample sizes in light of oat's natural propensity for kernel‐based contamination and proposed use of attribute‐based sampling for compliance assessment, thereby providing a way to assess/manage/control ‘rates of servings containing a contaminant kernel’ within acceptable limits with high confidence.

Milling and extrusion of six barley varieties, effects on dietary fibre and starch content and composition

Barley is a rich source of dietary fibre that can promote beneficial physiological effects. The carbohydrate composition in different barley varieties differs considerably and choice of variety is thus important. This study examined whether differences in carbohydrate composition observed in barley kernels of different varieties persisted in the sifted flour and in an extruded product. Six barley varieties were milled and extruded and dietary fibre and starch in the kernels, flour and extruded product were analysed. The starch content was found to be higher in flour and extruded product than in kernels. The content of arabinoxylan was higher in sifted flour than in kernels, but was decreased by extrusion. The extractability of arabinoxylan was increased by extrusion, while its average molecular weight was decreased. Extrusion also decreased the content of mixed-linkage (1 → 3),(1 → 4)-β-D-glucan in all varieties, but increased its extractability. The six barley varieties were affected in much the same way by milling and extrusion, but clear differences could still be observed. For example, the arabinoxylan in variety SW 28708 was less affected and variety KVL 301 had much lower extractability (76% vs 91–98%) of mixed-linkage (1 → 3),(1 → 4)-β-D-glucan after extrusion than the other varieties.

Change of Physicochemical Properties in Barley Kernels By High Temperature During the Ripening Stage

Change of Physicochemical Properties in Barley Kernels By High Temperature During the Ripening Stage

Partial dehulling increases the energy content and nutrient digestibility of barley in growing pigs.

ObjectiveThe hull attached to the barley kernel can be mechanically removed thus reducing the fiber content of the barley. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of partial dehulling on the nutrient digestibility as well as the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) content of barley in pigs.MethodsTwo hulled barley samples (high fiber barley [HF] and low fiber barley [LF]) with either high or low fiber contents were obtained from the Hubei and Jiangsu Provinces of China. A portion of the two barleys was mechanically dehulled (dehulled high fiber barley [DHF] and dehulled low fiber barley [DLF]). Thirty barrows (initial BW = 31.5±3.2 kg) were assigned to one of five diets in a randomized complete block design. The five diets consisted of 96.9% corn, HF, LF, DHF, or DLF supplemented with 3.1% minerals and vitamins. Each diet was fed to six barrows housed in individual metabolism crates for a 10-d acclimation period followed by a 5-day total but separate collection of feces and urine.ResultsThe daily loss of gross energy (GE) in feces was lower (p<0.01) for pigs fed DHF than for those fed HF. The daily N intake and fecal N loss were lowest (p<0.01) for pigs fed the corn diet. The DE and ME as well as the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, GE, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of DHF or DLF were higher (p<0.01) than the values in HF and LF, respectively while the values except the ATTD of NDF and ADF in DLF were higher (p<0.01) than the values in DHF and were comparable to corn.ConclusionThe DE and ME contents as well as the ATTD of nutrients in both DHF and DLF barley were improved compared with the HF and LF barley. Moreover, the nutritive value of DLF barley was comparable to the yellow-dent corn used in the study.

Gluten-containing grains skew gluten assessment in oats due to sample grind non-homogeneity

Oats are easily contaminated with gluten-rich kernels of wheat, rye and barley. These contaminants are like gluten ‘pills’, shown here to skew gluten analysis results. Using R-Biopharm R5 ELISA, we quantified gluten in gluten-free oatmeal servings from an in-market survey. For samples with a 5–20ppm reading on a first test, replicate analyses provided results ranging <5ppm to >160ppm. This suggests sample grinding may inadequately disperse gluten to allow a single accurate gluten assessment. To ascertain this, and characterize the distribution of 0.25-g gluten test results for kernel contaminated oats, twelve 50g samples of pure oats, each spiked with a wheat kernel, showed that 0.25g test results followed log-normal-like distributions. With this, we estimate probabilities of mis-assessment for a ‘single measure/sample’ relative to the <20ppm regulatory threshold, and derive an equation relating the probability of mis-assessment to sample average gluten content.

Gut microbiota mediated benefits of barley kernel products on metabolism, gut hormones, and inflammatory markers as affected by co-ingestion of commercially available probiotics: a randomized controlled study in healthy subjects

Barley kernel based products have been shown to induce benefits on blood glucose regulation, cardio-metabolic risk markers and appetite regulating hormones in a time perspective of 11-16h after intake. The mechanisms have been assigned to gut fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate if the modulatory effects of barley on markers of metabolic- and appetite regulation are affected by a dietary background including a mixture of commercially available probiotics. Barley kernel bread was included in the normal diet of 21 healthy subjects in two 4-day intervention periods; with (BB-pro) or without (BB) dietary supplement with a combination of probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v). A white wheat flour based bread was included as a reference product (WWB-ref) in a separate 4-day bread intervention period. A cross-over design was applied concerning BB- and WWB-ref; the BB-pro intervention was last in the test sequence. The BB-pro intervention was preceded by 10 days priming with probiotics. The 4 day BB- and WWB-ref intervention periods included dietary supplementation with placebo, and the interventions were preceded with 10 days priming with the placebo. The day after each intervention period, blood samples were collected at fasting and postprandially after a standardized breakfast (0-210min) for determination of markers of glucose metabolism (blood glucose, serum (s-) insulin), inflammation (s-IL-6, s-IL-18, s-CRP, PAI-1), and concentrations of gut derived hormones involved in satiety and glucose homeostasis (plasma (p-) PYY, p-GLP-1) and intestinal barrier integrity (p-GLP-2). Breath hydrogen was determined as a marker of colonic fermentation. Four days intervention with BB, in comparison to WWB-ref, lowered blood glucose response after a subsequent standardized breakfast (0-210min, P<0.05). BB and BB-pro interventions increased p-GLP-1 (0-120min, P<0.05) and breath H2 (0-210min, P<0.05). BB-pro intervention, in comparison to BB and WWB-ref, increased levels of s-PAI-1 (P<0.05), and p-GLP-2 (0-210min, P<0.05) after the standardized breakfast. With the exception of increased p-GLP-2 and an unexpected increase in s-PAI-1 concentrations, co-ingestion of a mixture of probiotics did not affect the metabolic outcome of BB; neither positively nor importantly negatively. The study was registered at: ClinicalTrials.gov, register number NCT01718418 (www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01718418).

A commercial GH 11 xylanase mediates xylan solubilisation and degradation in wheat, rye and barley as demonstrated by microscopy techniques and wet chemistry methods

Xylanases in animal feed are primarily utilized to alleviate the antinutritional effects of arabinoxylan, a predominant polymer in cereal cell walls consisting of a β-1,4-xylose polymer, substituted with various sugars. Although xylanases efficiently hydrolyze unsubstituted and substituted arabinoxylans, currently available enzymes are not always able to access highly decorated forms of the polysaccharide, such as arabinoxylans (AX) that contain arabinofuranose substitutions. The highly substituted regions are enriched in both 2- and 3-disubstituted xylose residues. Wheat AX contains very small amounts of 2-monosubstituted xylose residues, whereas barley AXs are characterised by a larger amount of 2-monosubstitution. The structure of rye AX is similar to that of wheat AX, but differences in the abundances of the 2- monosubstituted and 2-and 3- disubstituted xylose residues have been reported. In the current study the efficiency of a monocomponent xylanase was demonstrated on structurally different arabinoxylans present in wheat, rye and barley kernels using microscopic visualization, viscosity and arabinoxylan solubilisation measured as the sum of arabinose and xylose in an analysis of the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) constituents, as well as xylose alone. Degradation of arabinoxylan components upon exposure to the enzyme was visualized by scanning electron microscopy, autofluorescence and with fluorescence immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy using commercial antibodies recognizing arabinoxylan in the cereal cell walls. Viscosity data clearly demonstrated effective depolymerisation of arabinoxylans in water extracts from wheat and rye and thereby hydrolytic capacity of the monocomponent enzyme on structurally diverse arabinoxylans. The viscosity reducing effect observed in barley was limited, most likely due to the presence of highly viscous mixed linked ß-d-glucans. Wet chemistry analyses of the complete solubilisation of arabinoxylan (oligomers and polysaccharides) using a standardized xylose assay as well as NSP analyses (measuring polysaccharides, DP>10) on wheat, rye and barley, provided additional and complementary information to the microscopy conducted on the same cereal samples.The study has shown that microscopy techniques visualizing cell wall solubilising effects of xylanase can be useful for understanding enzyme mode of action and efficacy on different feed ingredients.

Effects of Cerium and Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles in Soil on the Nutrient Composition of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Kernels

The implications of metal nanoparticles (MeNPs) are still unknown for many food crops. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cerium oxide (nCeO2) and titanium oxide (nTiO2) nanoparticles in soil at 0, 500 and 1000 mg·kg−1 on the nutritional parameters of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) kernels. Mineral nutrients, amylose, β-glucans, amino acid and crude protein (CP) concentrations were measured in kernels. Whole flour samples were analyzed by ICP-AES/MS, HPLC and Elemental CHNS Analyzer. Results showed that Ce and Ti accumulation under MeNPs treatments did not differ from the control treatment. However, nCeO2 and nTiO2 had an impact on composition and nutritional quality of barley kernels in contrasting ways. Both MeNPs left β-glucans unaffected but reduced amylose content by approximately 21%. Most amino acids and CP increased. Among amino acids, lysine followed by proline saw the largest increase (51% and 37%, respectively). Potassium and S were both negatively impacted by MeNPs, while B was only affected by 500 mg nCeO2·kg−1. On the contrary Zn and Mn concentrations were improved by 500 mg nTiO2·kg−1, and Ca by both nTiO2 treatments. Generally, our findings demonstrated that kernels are negatively affected by nCeO2 while nTiO2 can potentially have beneficial effects. However, both MeNPs have the potential to negatively impact malt and feed production.

Insecticidal potential of zeolite formulations against three stored-grain insects, particle size effect, adherence to kernels and influence on test weight of grains

Laboratory studies were conducted in order to evaluate the insecticidal potential of three commercially available zeolite formulations against adults of Sitophilus oryzae, Tribolium confusum and Oryzaephilus surinamensis in wheat. For each zeolite formulation, three particle size levels were tested, i.e. 0–50, 0–150 and 0–500 μm. Zeolites were applied at three dose rates, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, and insect mortality was assessed after 2, 7, 14 and 21 d of exposure. After the final mortality count, dead and alive insects were removed and offspring numbers were determined following an additional period of 65 d. In another series of laboratory bioassays, the effect of zeolite application on the test weight of wheat, maize and barley, as well as the adherence of zeolite particles to wheat, maize, barley and rice kernels was also measured. Oryzaephilus surinamensis was the most susceptible species to zeolite application, regardless of the zeolite formulation, dose and particle size level tested, whereas T. confusum was the most tolerant. No significant differences in efficacy were recorded among the three tested zeolite formulations. At the same time, particle size did not affect zeolite efficacy, at least for the particle size levels tested. All zeolites caused a significant reduction on the test weight of the treated grains. Moreover, zeolite particles showed different adherence among wheat, maize, barley and rice kernels. The results of the present study indicate that zeolites can be used with success as grain protectants, but there is a considerable effect on some physical properties of the grains. This information aims to encourage further evaluation of zeolites as grain protectants.

Analysis of Alkylresorcinols in Wheat Germ Oil and Barley Germ Oil via HPLC and Fluorescence Detection: Cochromatography with Tocols

Alkylresorcinols are long‐chain phenolic compounds that have been reported to be localized in the outer layers of the kernels of wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. A sensitive HPLC method with fluorescence detection was recently reported for the quantitative analysis of alkylresorcinols in cereal grains and products. Using this new HPLC method we report for the first time that wheat germ oil contains moderate levels of alkylresorcinols, approximately 800–1,500 µg per gram of oil. We also found that commercial wheat germ oil and some experimental samples of wheat germ oil and barley germ oil also contained three unknown peaks. Upon further evaluation of these peaks it was found that the peaks appeared to be tocopherols (one peak of α‐tocopherol, one peak of δ‐tocopherol, and a peak with the combination of β‐ and γ‐tocopherol), even though the excitation and emission wavelengths for alkylresorcinols (excitation 274 nm and emission 300 nm) are different than those for tocols (excitation 294 nm and emission 326 nm). We also found that with this HPLC system one alkylresorcinol, AR17, had the same retention time (7.6 min) as δ‐tocotrienol and that another alkylresorcinol, AR19, had the same retention time (10.8 min) as α‐tocotrienol.

Wheat seeds harbour bacterial endophytes with potential as plant growth promoters and biocontrol agents of Fusarium graminearum

The role of endophytic communities of seeds is still poorly characterised. The purpose of this work was to survey the presence of bacterial endophytes in the seeds of a commercial wheat cultivar widely sown in Argentina and to look for plant growth promotion features and biocontrol abilities against Fusarium graminearum among them. Six isolates were obtained from wheat seeds following a culture-dependent protocol. Four isolates were assignated to Paenibacillus genus according to their 16S rRNA sequencing. The only gammaproteobacteria isolated, presumably an Enterobactereaceae of Pantoea genus, was particularly active as IAA and siderophore producer, and also solubilised phosphate and was the only one that grew on N-free medium. Several of these isolates demonstrated ability to restrain F. graminearum growth on dual culture and in a bioassay using barley and wheat kernels. An outstanding ability to form biofilm on an inert surface was corroborated for those Paenibacillus which displayed greater biocontrol of F. graminearum, and the inoculation with one of these isolates in combination with the Pantoea isolate resulted in greater chlorophyll content in barley seedlings. Our results show a significant ecological potential of some components of the wheat seed endophytic community.

Changes in the content of various Fusarium mycotoxins forms in germinating winter wheat and spring barley kernels

Fusarium mycotoxins are frequent contaminants in cereals at temperate zone. Next to deoxynivalenol (DON), there are other masked forms of DON, deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (D3G) or 3(15)-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3(15)-ADON), but changes among these forms are still insufficiently known. All these forms were evaluated in germinating kernels of wheat and malting barley from deliberated inoculated field plots. Results showed possible occurrence of high ini tial content of all evaluated DON forms. Total contents of all forms were detected as very steady from start to end of the germination process. It suggests high importance of evaluating not only DON content, but all DON forms simultaneously.

Detection of ochratoxin a in stored barley using Near-Infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging

Near-Infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging system operated in the wavelength region of 1000 to 1600 nm was used to detect ochratoxin A contaminated barley kernels. Five concentration levels of ochratoxin A contaminated barley kernels, five infection periods of non-ochratoxin A producing Penicillium verrucosum infected barley kernels, and sterile control samples were subjected to single kernel imaging. The acquired image data were processed and subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify significant wavelengths. Linear and quadratic discriminant pair-wise, two-class, and six-class models were developed and tested with statistical and histogram features extracted from significant wavelengths. The significant wavelength 1480 nm was identified only in the ochratoxin A contaminated samples, and not identified in the non-ochratoxin A producing P. verrucosum infected samples. The significant wavelengths 1310, and 1360 nm were found in both ochratoxin A contaminated samples and non- ochratoxin A producing P. verrucosum infected ones. The classification accuracy of more than 97% was achieved in discriminating between different concentration levels of ochratoxin A contaminated samples and a classification accuracy of 100% was achieved in discriminating between sterile control samples, and ochratoxin A contaminated samples.

A multifunctional diet improves cardiometabolic-related biomarkers independently of weight changes: an 8-week randomized controlled intervention in healthy overweight and obese subjects.

A multifunctional diet (MFD) was previously shown to reduce blood lipids, CRP and blood pressure in a 4-week intervention under weight-maintenance conditions. Here, MFD effects were evaluated in an 8-week intervention with no restriction for weight changes. Healthy subjects consumed MFD (23 subjects) or a control diet (CD) devoid of the functional components (24 subjects) in a "free-living" randomized controlled experiment. MFD included several functional concepts: low-glycemic-impact meals, antioxidant-rich foods, oily fish, viscous dietary fibers, soybean and whole barley kernel products, almonds and plant stanols. Measured outcomes were fasting blood values of lipids, glucose, insulin, GGT, CRP, HbA1c, PAI-1, GLP-1, GLP-2, body weight, blood pressure and breath hydrogen. At baseline, participants were 51-72years old, with BMI between 25 and 34 and fasting glycemia ≤ 6.1mmol/L. Consumption of both diets resulted in similar weight loss after 8weeks (-4%; P < 0.001). Compared to baseline, consumption of MFD reduced total serum cholesterol (-26%; P < 0.0001), LDL cholesterol (-35%; P < 0.0001), triglycerides (-16%; P <0.05), LDL/HDL (-27%; P < 0.0001) and ApoB/ApoA1 (-15%; P < 0.0001). There were important net differences between diets, which remained significant after adjustment for body weight. Reduced systolic blood pressure, circulating GGT, HbA1c and insulin concentrations were observed with both MFD and CD with no difference between diets. The Reynolds cardiovascular risk score was decreased by 36% (P < 0.0001) with MFD. MFD increased breath hydrogen levels (120%; P < 0.05). Consumption of MFD decreased blood lipids and improved several other aspects of the cardiometabolic risk profile. This effect was not dependent on weight loss.

Relative responses of new malting barley cultivars to increasing nitrogen rates in western Canada

O'Donovan, J. T., Anbessa, Y., Grant, C. A., Macleod, A. L., Edney, M. J., Izydorczyk, M. S., Turkington, T. K., Juskiw, P. E., Lafond, G. P., May, W. E., Harker, K. N., Johnson, E. N., Beres, B. L., McAllister, T. A., Smith, E. G. and Chapman, W. 2015. Relative responses of new malting barley cultivars to increasing nitrogen rates in western Canada. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 831–839. Only about 25% of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is selected for malting annually in western Canada due to quality issues. While nitrogen (N) fertilization can increase yield, it can also impair quality by increasing protein to unacceptable levels. The objective of this study was to determine the responses of relatively new malting barley cultivars (Bentley, Major, CDC Meredith, and Merit 57) to increasing N rates compared to the response of AC Metcalfe, the most commonly grown malting cultivar. Experiments were conducted at seven locations in western Canada in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Nitrogen was banded at seeding at 0, 30, 60, 90, or 120 kg ha−1. All the new varieties produced higher yield (5 to 11%) than AC Metcalfe. Barley kernel yield and protein concentration increased with N rate. However, Merit 57, CDC Meredith and Bentley produced significantly lower protein concentration in response to N than AC Metcalfe and Major. The newer cultivars displayed higher N utilization efficiency than AC Metcalfe, possibly due to partitioning proportionally more N into leaf chlorophyll development. The higher leaf chlorophyll content may have enabled increased photosynthesis and a more efficient utilization of N for grain formation. Bentley produced the least tillers and had the highest kernel plumpness, while Merit 57 had the lowest kernel plumpness. CDC Meredith lodged most followed by Merit 57, while Major and Bentley lodged least, especially at the higher N rates. Merit 57 and CDC Meredith took longer to mature than the other cultivars but yielded well at relatively short growing season locations.

Application of LC–MS–MS to identify niacin in aleurone layers of yellow corn, barley and wheat kernels

Previous studies identified type II inclusions in-situ of aleurone layers as niacin reserves and quantified niacin using colorimetric methods. Such identification and quantification was based on the König reaction which lacks specificity because cyanogen bromide reacts with all pyridine derivatives. The aim of this investigation was to define the structure of niacin in aleurone layers and aleurone cell contents of yellow corn, wheat and barley using LC–MS/MS. Aleurone layers were manually separated and cell contents released by ultrasonic processing and the residue and pellets were examined microscopically. Niacin was extracted from the samples by autoclaving in alkali. The extracts were analysed using HPLC and the structural identity of niacin was confirmed using quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry in positive mode. Niacin concentrations were highest in wheat aleurone and lowest in corn aleurone. The MS/MS spectra of pure niacin and the purported niacin peak in sample extracts showed similar fragmentation patterns. The major ion product occurred at m/z 80 representing loss of CO2 and parent ion at m/z 124 (M + H)+. These findings define some of the structural characteristics of niacin in aleurone layer of cereal grains, and demonstrate the possibility of using an ultrasonic processor to release cell contents.

Progressive Pearling of Barley Kernel: Chemical Characterization of Pearling Fractions and Effect of Their Inclusion on the Nutritional and Technological Properties of Wheat Bread.

Two hulled barley varieties have been sequentially pearled for one to eight cycles, each with 5% removal. The derived fractions were analyzed for their bioactive compound content. The dietary fiber (DF) decreased from the external to the internal layers, whereas β-glucans showed an inverse trend. Deoxynivalenol contamination was concentrated in the outer layers. The total antioxidant activity (TAA) was higher in the 15-25% fractions, which were used to prepare bread. Five mixtures of refined wheat flour, with an increasing replacement of this pearled barley fraction, were compared with a control for the bioactive compound content, as well as for the rheological and physical bread properties. The inclusion of pearled fractions with up to a 10% substitution leads to a clear enhancement of the DF and TAA, with only minor detrimental effects on the physical parameters. Selected byproducts of barley pearling could be proposed as functional ingredients for bakery products rich in DF and TAA.

The use of near infrared transmittance kernel sorting technology to salvage high quality grain from grain downgraded due to Fusarium damage.

The mycotoxins associated with specific Fusarium fungal infections of grains are a threat to global food and feed security. These fungal infestations are referred to as Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) and lead to Fusarium Damaged Kernels (FDK). Incidence of FDK >0.25% will lower the grade, with a tolerance of 5% FDK for export feed grain. During infestation, the fungi can produce a variety of mycotoxins, the most common being deoxynivalenol (DON). Fusarium Damaged Kernels have been associated with reduced crude protein (CP), lowering nutritional, functional and grade value. New technology has been developed using Near Infrared Transmittance (NIT) spectra that estimate CP of individual kernels of wheat, barley and durum. Our objective is to evaluate the technology's capability to reduce FDK and DON of downgraded wheat and ability to salvage high quality safe kernels. In five FDK downgraded sources of wheat, the lowest 20% CP kernels had significantly increased FDK and DON with the high CP fractions having decreased FDK and DON, thousand kernel weights (TKW) and bushel weight (Bu). Strong positive correlations were observed between FDK and DON (r = 0.90); FDK and grade (r = 0.62) and DON and grade (r = 0.62). Negative correlations were observed between FDK and DON with CP (r = −0.27 and −0.32); TKW (r = −0.45 and −0.54) and Bu (r = −0.79 and −0.74). Results show improved quality and value of Fusarium downgraded grain using this technology.