Β-glucan Content Research Articles

Study on Optimal Nitrogen Application for Different Oat Varieties in Dryland Regions of the Loess Plateau

The present study endeavored to tackle the challenges posed by limited diversity in oat varieties and suboptimal nitrogen fertilizer utilization in the arid landscapes of the Loess Plateau. We selected three oat varieties, including early-maturing oats (E), medium-maturing oats (M), and late-maturing oats (L). In 2022, four nitrogen applications were set up as CK (0 kg N ha−1), N1 (60 kg N ha−1), N2 (90 kg N ha−1), and N3 (120 kg N ha−1). We introduced two additional nitrogen applications, N4 (180 kg N ha−1) and N5 (240 kg N ha−1), in 2023. The two-year study results demonstrated a significant increase in oat yield due to nitrogen application (p < 0.05). The highest grain yield was observed for E oats at 2216.63 kg·ha−1 under the N3 treatment, while M and L oats had the highest grain yields at 2505.43 kg·ha−1 and 2946.30 kg·ha−1 under N4, respectively. The protein content of L oats reached a peak of 14.15% under N4, and the order of protein contents in oat protein components was globulin > gliadin> glutenin > albumin. The β-glucan content of L oats reached a peak of 4.92% under N3. The nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency (NFUE) of the three oats was highest under N2. L oats exhibited enhanced NFUE owing to an elevated pre-flowering nitrogen translocation amount (PrNTA), with a 42.94% and 29.51% increase relative to E and M oats, respectively. The pre-flowering nitrogen translocation contribution (PrNTC) in oats surpassed the post-flowering nitrogen accumulation contribution (PoNAC). Therefore, nitrogen application positively impacted oat growth, yet excessive application had an inhibitory effect. There is a significant positive correlation among oat yield, quality, nitrogen accumulation, and utilization efficiency. In summary, oat crops exhibited optimal performance in terms of yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency when nitrogen application rates ranged between 90 and 180 kg·ha−1. Late-maturing oats coincide with the rainy and hot season in the northern dryland regions, making them more suitable for planting in the dryland areas of the Loess Plateau.

Distributions of Lanostene-Derived Triterpenoids and Glucan Content in the Fruiting Bodies of the Australian Ganoderma Species.

Lanostene-derived triterpenoids and β-glucans are important metabolites in Ganoderma mushrooms associated with benefits to human health. The medicinal value of the Australian Ganoderma species remains unclear, with no data on triterpenoid distribution or glucan content. In the present study, 22 Australian Ganoderma specimens were analyzed for triterpenoid and glucan contents. Thirty-two triterpenoids were identified in the fruiting bodies of 19 of the specimens. Distinct patterns in triterpenoid distribution between laccate and matte fruiting bodies were observed, leading to the classification of four groups of Ganoderma. Most of the glucans in the Ganoderma fruiting bodies were β-glucans (~99%), with a nominal α-glucan content (~1%). The β-glucan content ranged from 19.5 to 43.5% (w/w). A range of antioxidant activities was observed for methanol extracts using the ABTS (1.8 to 8.4 mg GAE.g-1), DPPH (1.7 to 9.4 mg GAE/g-1) and FRAP (24.7 to 111.6 mmol FeSO4.g-1) assays, with four specimens presenting relatively high radical scavenging and reducing activities. For the first time, we demonstrated that Australian Ganoderma mushrooms contain medicinal triterpenoids, including ganoderic acid A, and we established a link between its distribution and the fruiting body morphology. However, further research is required to isolate diploid clones and determine factors that impact triterpenoid and glucan synthesis in these strains.

Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) to screen genes involved in β-glucan biosynthesis and accumulation during oat seed development.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is an annual grass that has a high nutritional value and therapeutic benefits. β-glucan is one of the most important nutrients in oats. In this study, we investigated two oat varieties with significant differences in β-glucan content (high β-glucan oat varieties BY and low β-glucan content oat variety DY) during different filling stages. We also studied the transcriptome sequencing of seeds at different filling stages. β-glucan accumulation was highest at days 6-16 in the filling stage. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected from the dataset of transcriptome sequencing. Among them, three metabolic pathways were closely related to the biosynthesis of β-glucan by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, including xyloglucan:xyloglucosyl transferase activity, starch and sucrose metabolism, and photosynthesis. By analyzing the expression patterns of DEGs, we identified one CslF2 gene and 32 transcription factors. Five modules were thought to be positively correlated with β-glucan accumulation by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Moreover, the expression levels of candidate genes obtained from the transcriptome sequencing were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Our study provides a novel way to identify the regulatory mechanism of β-glucan synthesis and accumulation in oat seeds and offers a possible pathway for the genetic engineering of oat breeding for higher-quality seeds.

Mixed microalgal culture enhances biofilm adhesion during treatment of livestock wastewater: The role of extracellular polymeric substances

Microalgal biofilm can remove nutrients and refractory pollutants from livestock wastewater, transforming them into biomass or fuel. However, these applications are hampered by biofilm shedding. Coculture enhances effects, and its influence on the adhesion of attached microalgal biofilms requires exploration. In this study, two unicellular algae, Euglena (E) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C). and two filamentous algae, Klebsodium sp. (K) and Phormidium sp. (P), were paired two by two, aiming to investigate the effect of mixing on the adhesion of microalgal biofilm. The results showed that suitable microalgal combinations significantly enhanced the performance of the co-cultured microalgal biofilm. Biomass enhancement of 35 % and 21.9 % was observed in the PC group compared to the individual P and C groups, respectively. The content of tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) and its protein and polysaccharide content significantly correlating with the net biomass increase in all treatments, p < 0.05. Furthermore, measurement of zeta potentials and water contact angles indicated that alterations in protein secondary structures contributed to a lower intermolecular repulsion and greater hydrophobicity of the TB-EPS, which together with the stability provided by the higher β-glucan content supported the adhesion of the co-cultured microalgal biofilm.

Barley β-glucan bioactive films: Promising eco-friendly materials for wound healing

Mixtures containing β-glucans were extracted from barley, under both mild and high alkaline conditions, to prepare biodegradable films (MA and HA, respectively), as natural dressings with intrinsic therapeutic properties. An in-depth characterization was performed to evaluate the impact of mild and high alkaline conditions on chemical, physicochemical, and biological features for potential use in wound treatments. Both MA and HA films exhibited a good ability to absorb water and simulate wound fluid, which helps maintain optimal tissue hydration. Moreover, their oxygen permeability (147.6 and 16.4 cm3 × μm/m2 × 24 h × Pa × 107, respectively) appeared adequate for the intended application. Biocompatibility tests showed that the films do not harm human dermal fibroblasts. Impressively, they promote cell attachment and growth, with MA having a stronger effect due to its higher β-glucan content. Furthermore, MA films can modulate macrophage behaviour in an inflamed microenvironment, reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while simultaneously increasing levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In a scratch test, HA films allowed for faster fibroblast migration within the first 16 h compared to MA.Overall, this study demonstrates that developing β-glucan based films from barley, through a sustainable and cost-effective process, holds great promise for skin applications. These films exhibit significant potential to promote wound healing and modulate inflammation.

Improving functional and nutritional profiles of barley flours with diverse starch types through pearling

A comparative analysis of chemical, functional, and digestive parameters was conducted on five new barley genotypes designed for food purposes, differing in starch type, β-glucans, and arabinoxylan content. Both whole and pearled grain flours were examined. Amylose exhibited positive correlations with least gelation capacity (r = 0.60), gelation temperature (r = 0.90), and resistant starch (r = 0.80). Waxy varieties showed greater water-holding capacity, viscosity, and rapid digestibility compared to normal and high-amylose varieties. Pearling (10%) decreased arabinoxylans by 48% and proteins by 7%, while increasing β-glucans by 8% and starch by 13%. Additionally, pearling improved viscosity and hydration parameters across varieties. This allowed normal and high-amylose genotypes to enhance their functional properties and nutritional value through increased β-glucan and resistant starch content. This exploration advances the understanding of barley's functional attributes for food industry and underscores the potential of pearling to augment consumer nutritional value and health-promoting properties.

Formation of biochemical parameters of oat grain depending on the genotype and weather conditions

The studies were conducted to assess the dependence of the biochemical parameters of oat grains (crude protein, starch, oil and β-glucans) on the genotype and weather conditions to determine the prospects for their use in the breeding process. In the forest-steppe of the Trans-Urals in 2021–2023, 21 samples of naked and 64 samples of covered oats were studied, which are most actively used in breeding in Western Siberia. Tyumen nudibranch was taken as the standard for naked cultivars, and for covered cultivars it was Otrada. It was found that the genotype played a significant role in the content of crude protein and β-glucans in oat grain (78…80 %); weather conditions – 12…15 %, with minimal interaction of these factors – 4 and 7 % (Ffact . Ftheor.) respectively. Retention of oil and seaweed at 85…86 % exceeds the permissible values, and now to a minimum extent – 3 and 6 %, respectively (Ffact. Ftheor.). The effect of the genotype and the subsequent level on the oil content is 11 %. A close relationship between content and consumption has been established. Protein and oil in naked oats (r=0.96; p=5 %), in frequent cases it was the average (r=0.25; p=5 %). The content of β-glucans had an inverse average correlation with protein in the grain of filmy genotypes (P= –0.38), it was absent in nudibranchs. A negative correlation was established between the content of β-glucans and oil (g= –0.32; p=5 %) in covered samples. The analysis of variance and correlation showed the possibility of targeted selection in terms of protein and oil content. It is recommended to introduce the following genotypes into the breeding process to increase the content: starch (60.1…62.3 %) – Vyatsky (14960), MF 9521–281 (15096), MF9714–32 (15227), Progress (15339), Korolek (15461); β-glucans (6.1…6.3 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Argamak (14648), Neklan (14936), Konkur (15068); Ozone (15473); protein (16.1…17.5 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Percheron (15275), Pomor (15117), Taidon (15183); oils (6.1…7.4 %) – Sapsan (15444), Pegas (15114), Petrovich (15691).

Effect of Neutral and Acidic Protease Processing Intervals on Optimising Nutritional Value and Enhancing Physico-Chemical Properties of Oat Drink.

This study aimed to maximise the content of water-soluble protein (WSP) and β-glucan (BG) in oat drink (OD) products by optimising the duration of treatment with neutral (NP) and acidic (AP) proteases. Additionally, it investigated the correlation between changes in the OD's nutritional profile and its rheological and sensory properties. After initial treatment with α-amylase, the OD samples were divided into two groups, i.e., one treated with NP and the other with AP for 30, 60, 120, and 180 min. The samples were then analysed for their WSP and BG contents. Samples with an optimised treatment duration were evaluated for their rheological and sensory properties. The OD sample treated with AP for 60 min exhibited the highest β-glucan (0.52 g/100 mL) and WSP (1.56 g/100 mL) contents, improved storage stability, and the lowest sedimentation rate (2.13%/h), compared to the control OD sample. However, sensorially, this sample was characterised by a sticky, gluey mouthfeel and was less acceptable as a drinkable product. This study demonstrated the potential effect of protease treatment on enhancing the nutritional value and stability of OD products, although further studies are necessary to improve the sensory properties of these drinks.

Ultrasound Pretreatment of Oat and Barley Bran Contributes to the β-Glucans Content and Technological Properties of Flatbread with or Without Sourdough

Ultrasound Pretreatment of Oat and Barley Bran Contributes to the β-Glucans Content and Technological Properties of Flatbread with or Without Sourdough

Chemical properties, sensory characteristics, and antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus of tempeh gembus fermented with Mosaccha inocula

The study examined the impact of varying concentrations of Mosaccha inocula (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% w/w) on the chemical properties, sensory characteristics, and antibacterial activity of tempe gembus. Employing a Complete Randomized Block Design with four replications, the research used 0.2% Raprima inoculum (tempeh inoculum commonly used in making tempeh in Indonesia) as a control. The best treatment was determined using Least Significant Difference analysis and the de Garmo weighting effectiveness test. Results revealed that Mosaccha inocula concentration significantly influenced the chemical properties (excluding fat content), sensory attributes, and antimicrobial efficacy of tempe gembus. Optimal outcomes were achieved with 0.3% Mosaccha inoculum, yielding tempe gembus that was favorably received by sensory panelists. Specifically, this formulation produces tempeh with β-glucan content (0.62%), antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition diameter 9.42 mm), protein content (8.75%), and crude fiber content (4.36%) higher than controls (0.07%, 8.52 mm, 5.03%, and 3.33% respectively).

Deciphering the genetic architecture of β-glucan content in oats (Avena sativa L.) through QTL mapping

Oat is a cereal grain grown for human and animal nutrition. It is known for its high dietary fibre content, phytochemicals, and nutritional value. The primary component of oat fibre is β-glucan, a group of polysaccharides comprising mixed-linkage (1,3) (1,4)-D-glucose units. The β-glucan concentrations of oat cultivars usually range from 3 to 6% and are considered a polygenic trait controlled by multiple genes with additive effects. The primary goal of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for β-glucan content. Two contrasting parents for β-glucan content, OL10 (5.8%) and OL11 (0.8%), were selected from 91 germplasm lines, and an F2:4 mapping population was generated for QTL mapping. Five genotypes with the highest levels of β-glucan content were observed. The QTLs affecting β-glucan content were identified using QTL cartographer, employing single marker analysis (SMA) and composite interval mapping (CIM). Two putative QTL regions were identified, one on linkage group (LG) 1 and the other on LG 4, with LOD (logarithm of the odds) scores of 3.7 and 4.3, respectively, explaining 31 and 33% of the phenotypic variation. The information generated is important in identifying the genomic regions responsible for β-glucan content in oats.

Physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus by steam explosion pretreatment and its effects on human gut microbiota

Crude polysaccharides (HEP) extracted from Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) using hot water soaking were focused in this study. The effects of steam explosion (SE) pretreatment (against H. erinaceus raw material) on the physical and chemical characteristics and in vitro fermentability of HEP were examined. SE increased the yield, the total sugar content, and β-glucan content for HEP by 244.96%, 51.22% and 34.60%, respectively. SE treatment also reduced the molecular weight of HEP and released relative lower molecular fractions, as reflected by the elution profiles from HPSEC. During in vitro fermentation (by human feces) process, HEP from SE treated (HEQ) and untreated samples (HEW) both demonstrated capability in regulating gut microbiota (GM) by improving the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia-shigella. Moreover, HEQ could increase the production of acetic, propionic and total SCFAs, while HEW could better increase the production of n-butyric acids. The findings of this study provide a reference for the efficient extraction and preparation of HEP, and highlighting its potential application in modulating GM.

Effect of Pleurotus ostreatus Water Extract Consumption on Blood Parameters and Cytokine Values in Healthy Volunteers

Objective Our aim in this study is, does 29-day regular consumption of Pleurotus ostreatus water extract by volunteer individuals who meet the study criteria have an effect on blood and cytokine values? Method In accordance with the purpose of the study, volunteers were asked to consume 100 ml of the extract every morning for 29 days. Three tubes of blood samples were taken from the volunteers on the 15th and 29th days of the study. Biochemical and hematological analysis of the blood samples were performed and immunomodulatory effects through cytokines were examined. The values obtained from 3 tubes of blood obtained from volunteers before the use of mushroom extract were used as control. The chemical composition and β-glucan content of 100 ml of mushroom water extract were also analyzed. Result IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 could not be detected because the values were below the lowest standard value. TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β 15th and 29th day values decreased compared to the 1st day (control) values (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference observed between the 15th and 29th day. No abnormalities were observed in biochemical and hematological values. Also, the β-glucan content of extract was found 38.12 mg/100 ml. Conclusion The frequency range of kidney and liver function test results confirmed that P. osreatus is a reliable food source. Considering the cytokine values these results indicate that P. ostreatus water extract has an anti-inflammatory effect. As no significant difference was observed in 29 days of use, it is thought that 15 days of daily consumption of the extract may be sufficient for the anti-inflammatory effect to occur. However, a large number of qualified clinical trials are needed to support the issue.

Submerged cultivation and phytochemical analysis of medicinal mushrooms (Trametes sp.).

Mushrooms are widely available around the world and have various nutritional as well as therapeutic values. Many Asian cultures believe that medicinal mushrooms can prolong life and improve vitality. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical and polysaccharide content, mainly β-glucan content, of mycelial biomass and fruiting bodies collected from the Himalayan region, particularly Uttarakhand. Through molecular analysis of the LSU F/R-rDNA fragment sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the strain was identified as Trametes sp. We performed screening of phytochemicals and polysaccharides in mushroom and biomass extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a PC-based UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The macrofungal biomass was found to be high in saponin, anthraquinone, total phenolic, flavonoid, and β-glucan content. In biomass extract, we observed a high level of saponin (70.6µg/mL), anthraquinone (14.5µg/mL), total phenolic (12.45 µg/mL), and flavonoid (9.500 µg/mL) content. Furthermore, we examined the contents of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and sterols in the biomass and mushroom extracts; the concentration of these compounds in the ethanol extract tested was minimal. We also looked for antioxidant activity, which is determined in terms of the IC50 value. Trametes sp. mushroom extract exhibits higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (62.9% at 0.5 mg/mL) than biomass extract (59.19% at 0.5 mg/mL). We also analyzed β-glucan in Trametes sp. from both mushroom and biomass extracts. The biomass extract showed a higher β-glucan content of 1.713 mg/mL than the mushroom extract, which is 1.671 mg/mL. Furthermore, β-glucan analysis was confirmed by the Megazyme β-glucan assay kit from both biomass and mushroom extract of Trametes sp. β-glucans have a promising future in cancer treatment as adjuncts to conventional medicines. Producing pure β-glucans for the market is challenging because 90-95% of β glucan sold nowadays is thought to be manipulated or counterfeit. The present study supports the recommendation of Trametes sp. as rich in β-glucan, protein, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities that help individuals with cancer, diabetes, obesity, etc.

QTL Analysis of β-Glucan Content and Other Grain Traits in a Recombinant Population of Spring Barley.

Barley with high grain β-glucan content is valuable for functional foods. The identification of loci for high β-glucan content is, thus, of great importance for barley breeding. Segregation mapping for the content in β-glucan and other barley grain components (starch, protein, lipid, ash, phosphorous, calcium, sodium) was performed using the progeny of the cross between Glacier AC38, a mutant with high amylose, and CDC Fibar, a high β-glucan waxy cultivar. The offspring of this cross showed transgressive segregation for β-glucan content. Linkage analysis based on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers was used for the genotyping of the parents and recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Two Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for β-glucan content and several QTL for other grain components were found. The former ones, located on chromosomes 1H and 7H, explained 27.9% and 27.4% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. Glacier AC38 provided the allele for high β-glucan content at the QTL on chromosome 1H, whereas CDC Fibar contributed the allele at the QTL on chromosome 7H. Their recombination resulted in a novel haplotype with higher β-glucan content, up to 18.4%. Candidate genes are proposed for these two QTL: HvCslF9, involved in β-glucan biosynthesis, for the QTL on chromosome 1H; Horvu_PLANET_7H01G069300, a gene encoding an ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter, for the QTL on chromosome 7H.

The effect of sous-vide cooking on the antioxidant properties of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus L.)

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus L.) are renowned for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic properties. This study explores the antioxidant characteristics, activity, and β-glucan content in freeze-dried mushroom samples, investigating the influence of sous-vide cooking. Uncooked freeze-dried P. ostreatus and three pre-cooked freeze-dried samples (70, 80, 90 °C through 4 hours) were analysed for Total Polyphenol Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), Radical Scavenging (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and β-glucans content via HPLC and Total Dietary Fiber (TDF) via enzymatic gravimetric method. Results indicate that uncooked mushroom powder exhibited superior antioxidant capabilities compared to cooked samples. The sous-vide cooked (80 °C) mushrooms displayed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content. Moreover, pre-cooked (70 °C) mushroom powder demonstrated the highest β-glucan content, significantly surpassing the uncooked control sample. Notably, pre-cooked groups (80, 90 °C) demonstrated significantly higher TDF levels compared to uncooked sample. This research offers valuable insights into the potential use of mushrooms as high-antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic food or feed supplements, with broad implications across various fields.

Characterization and in vitro digestion of alkali-extracted polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa and its impacts on human gut microbiota

Grifola frondosa is a highly valued, edible and biologically active fungus in which the polysaccharide component plays a major role. To investigate the fundamental structure, in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFP), GFP from the waste residue of Grifola frondosa after water extraction was re-extracted by alkaline solution. The carbohydrate and β-glucan contents of GFP were 91.61% and 60.57%, respectively, and were mainly composed of glucose. GFP can form triple supercoils and combine with Congo red, and the surface of GFP was smooth and dense, and the particles were in the shape of long column, sheet and ellipse. Analysis of carbohydrate, reducing sugars, and further chromatogram data also showed that GFP was not degraded by the simulated digestion process of the mouth, stomach and small intestine. Fecal fermentation of GFP significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidota, and decreased Proteobacterias in both normal weight and obese subjects in vitro. The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, Faecalibacterium, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG_003, Lactococcus were increased, and Dorea and Escherichia-Shigella were reduced after GFP treatment. Thus, the molecular of GFP was utilized and degraded by the gut microbiota and metabolized into SCFAs. This decreased pH, H2S, and NH3, as well as increased CO2 in the fermentation broth. In conclusion, GFP can modulate the composition of the gut microbiota and is a potentially functional product.

The combined effects of weather conditions and fertilization on wheat fiber to protein ratio and on dough quality

Owing to the increasing role of fiber-rich wholegrain products in food preparation, it is necessary to determine the optimal ratio of protein to fiber in wholewheat flour. The effects of organic and mineral N fertilizers on the protein content (PC) and total content of arabinoxylans and β-glucans (AX+BG) and their ratio (PC:AX+BG) were investigated here. The effect of this ratio on the dough quality of winter wheat ‘Fredis’ was evaluated. The field experiment was conducted at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in 2014‒2017. The results showed that the total amount of AX+BG was significantly affected only by weather conditions (air temperature and precipitation). Higher total AX+BG was associated with higher water absorption capacity, longer dough development time, and a higher quality number of the dough. Better dough quality indicators were obtained when the PC:AX+BG ratio was in the range of 2‒2.2:1. The value of the PC:AX+BG ratio depended more on fiber content than on PC, because the variation in fiber values between trial years was up to three times greater than that of PC. Better dough quality was obtained from N treatments with higher organic and mineral N amounts and in years with lower or average grain yield.

Creating a zero amylose barley with high soluble sugar content by genome editing.

Amylose biosynthesis is strictly associated with granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) encoded by the Waxy gene. Mutagenesis of single bases in the Waxy gene, which induced by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, caused absence of intact GBSSI protein in grain of the edited line. The amylose and amylopectin contents of waxy mutants were zero and 31.73%, while those in the wild type were 33.50% and 39.00%, respectively. The absence of GBSSI protein led to increase in soluble sugar content to 37.30% compared with only 10.0% in the wild type. Sucrose and β-glucan, were 39.16% and 35.40% higher in waxy mutants than in the wild type, respectively. Transcriptome analysis identified differences between the wild type and waxy mutants that could partly explain the reduction in amylose and amylopectin contents and the increase in soluble sugar, sucrose and β-glucan contents. This waxy flour, which showed lower final viscosity and setback, and higher breakdown, could provide more option for food processing.

Barley varieties registered in the Slovak Republic after the harvest of 2023

After the harvest 2023, three varieties were registered in the Slovak Republic after three years of testing: the spring barley variety LG Rhapsody, the two-row winter barley variety Claudia, and the six-row winter barley variety MH Irén. The malting quality was determined for the varieties LG Rhapsody and Claudia. LG Rhapsody gave extract in malt dry matter of 83.2%. Proteolytic modification of this variety was high (Kolbach index 52.3%). The diastatic power (343 WK), the quality of the sweet wort (apparent final attenuation 82.1%), and the cytolytic modification (friability 94% and β-glucan content 60 mg/l) were at an optimal level. In all cases, the variety gave a clear sweet wort. The winter two-row barley variety Claudia gave a sweet wort with an extract of 81.5%. Kolbach index (46.2%) and diastatic power (508 WK) were at optimal levels. The quality of the sweet wort (apparent final attenuation 80.5%) and the cytolytic modification (friability 83% and β-glucan content of the wort 169 mg/l) were at an average level.