Distribution of (1-3)(1-4)-β-d-glucans in kernels of selected cultivars of naked and hulled barley

The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of (1-3)(1-4)-beta-d-glucans in the kernels of three high-glucan lines of naked barley (STH 4561, STH 4671 and STH 4676), a low-glucan line (STH 4572), and two low-glucan comparative cultivars (naked - Rastik, and hulled - Stratus). The content of (1-3)(1-4)-beta-d-glucans assayed with the enzymatic method varied within the range from 4.04 to 5.71% dry matter basis. Microspectrophotometric analysis revealed significant differentiation in the structure of the kernels and in the distribution of (1-3)(1-4)-beta-d-glucans; it also indicated a necessity of applying such processing methods as are appropriate to the distribution of functional components. The distribution of functional components in the high-glucan lines of naked barley makes them ideal for utilization both in the milling technology and in the production of grits and flakes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.