Genotype, environment and G x E interaction influence (1,3;1,4)-β-D-glucan fine structure in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

BACKGROUND: The structure of beta-glucan influences its use in cereal-based foods and feed. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of environment (E) and genotype (G) on beta-glucan fine structure and its genetic control in two-row spring barley with normal starch characteristics. RESULTS: A population of 89 recombinant inbred lines, derived from the cross of two-row spring barley genotypes Merit x H93174006 (H92076F1 x TR238), was characterized for concentration and structure of grain beta-glucan in two environments. Results showed that concentrations of beta-glucan, DP3, DP4 and DP3+ DP4were positively correlatedwith each other, suggesting no preference for DP3 or DP4 subunit production in high-or low-beta-glucan lines. The concentrations of beta-glucan, DP3, DP4 and DP3: DP4 ratioswere significantly influenced by genotype and environment. However, onlyDP3: DP4 ratio showed a significant effect of GxE interaction. Associationmapping of candidate markers in 119 barley genotypes showed thatmarker CSLF6_4105 was associated with beta-glucan concentration, whereas Bmac504 and Bmac211 were associated with DP3: DP4 ratio. Bmac273e was associated with both beta-glucan concentration and DP3: DP4 ratio. CONCLUSION: The grain beta-glucan concentration and DP3: DP4 ratio are strongly affected by genotype and environment. Single-marker analyses suggested that the genetic control of beta-glucan concentration and DP3: DP4 ratio was linked to separate chromosomal regions on barley genome. (C) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry