Barley genome will help crop adapt to climate change and improve malting for beer – ABC Local

Posted April 19, 2017 19:24:35

Australian researchers have played a pivotal role in a global project to map the barley genome.

Ten countries have spent a decade working on the genome project, which forms the basis for working out which genes control certain traits in the barley plant.

West Australian scientists from Murdoch University and the Department of Agriculture and Food of WA led the Australian research, with funding assistance from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Lead researcher and Murdoch University Professor Chengdao Li said a better understanding of the barley genome would help the development of plants adapted for climate change.

But Professor Li said the genome map would also help improve the traits important in using malted barley for beer.

He said barley was a historically important crop because of its special "brewing genes".

"People believe human beings started to use the malt in the barley in the Stone Ages to make alcoholic beverages," he said.

"That's why [humans] started the plant cultivation process so long ago."

Scientists have previously mapped the rice genome, but Professor Li said it the barley genome was far more complicated.

He said Australian researchers had played such a significant role in mapping the barley genome because, along with wheat, it was such a significant crop for Australian farmers.

Barley exports are worth just under $1 billion to the West Australian economy with forty per cent of exports destined for malting, mainly for use in beer.

Department of Agriculture and Food principal scientist Dr Rob Loughman said mapping the barley genome would ultimately pave the way for better plant breeding.

Dr Loughman said improved breeding would provide marketing opportunities, but he said the main reason for breeding better plants would be to serve the growers.

"Farmers are certainly familiar with the importance of combining agronomic improvement with genetic improvement from new varieties," he said.

"The sorts of characteristics they look for are things that enhance productivity and yield, things that get their products into target markets and things that mitigate risks in cropping."

Dr Loughman said improved adaptability to climate change would be the most significant gain for farmers.

Topics: grain, genetics, research, research-organisations, perth-6000

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Barley genome will help crop adapt to climate change and improve malting for beer - ABC Local