Scientists in the UK closer to unravelling genetic code for yield in barley

Scientists have identified the genes responsible for visible differences in barley, which could help unravel the genetic code for valuable traits including yield, quality and disease resistance. The group of researchers at NIAB TAG have identified stretches of barley DNA code that control a range of characters, from the eye-catching variations in barley awn-pigmentation to the shape and the structure of the ear, fundamental to differences in yield.

Study leader in NIAB's genetics and breeding research program Donal O'Sullivan added: "By showing that we can use approaches from human genetics and apply them successfully in crops, we will now be able to investigate the natural genetic variation that controls agronomically important traits in barley, as well as other crops. Read more...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Global Miller, published and supported by the GFMT Magazine from Perendale Publishers.