Unlocking Barley’s Potential: New Varieties and Advances in Plant Breeding

Barley farmers in Saskatchewan have long understood the importance of innovation in staying competitive and resilient. With new challenges in climate, pests, and market demands, advancements in barley breeding offer exciting opportunities to improve yields, enhance malt quality, and develop varieties that stand up to environmental pressures. Let’s dive into some of the latest developments shaping the future of barley production.

Mapping the Barley Genome: A Game Changer

The foundation of modern plant breeding lies in understanding the barley genome. Back in 2012, the first sequencing of a barley variety, Morex, opened the door to unprecedented precision in breeding. Today, with 75 barley genomes sequenced, breeders have a vast library of genetic information to draw upon.

This knowledge helps researchers identify which genes control critical traits, from disease resistance to protein content. By pinpointing the exact location of these genes, breeders can reduce the margin of error in selecting lines with desired traits. For example, genetic markers for scald resistance have become much more reliable, cutting down the need for extensive field testing. With this detailed genetic map, breeders can focus on creating varieties that are more robust, productive, and suited to Saskatchewan’s growing conditions.

As Dr. Aaron Beattie of the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC) explains, “With these genomes, we can start to figure out what genes control what traits. And as a breeder, I can start to incorporate that information into how I do selection. Now my error rate goes down to almost nothing.”

The Role of Gene Editing in Barley Breeding

Gene editing, particularly with tools like CRISPR, has generated significant interest in the agricultural community. This technology allows researchers to make precise changes to the barley genome, potentially improving traits like disease resistance or drought tolerance. However, as Dr. Beattie points out, “Gene editing is just a tool, and it’s not a magic solution. It’s most useful for traits controlled by one or very few genes, like some diseases or quality traits. For more complex traits, like yield or Fusarium head blight resistance, gene editing is less effective.”

Additionally, public perception and regulatory frameworks remain challenges. “In the science community, we may feel there are meaningful differences between a genetically modified organism and something that’s been gene-edited. But consumers don’t always see it that way,” Dr. Beattie notes.

New Barley Traits in the Pipeline

One of the most pressing issues for malt barley growers is pre-harvest sprouting (or chitting). High-enzymatic varieties like AAC Connect and CDC Fraser are particularly susceptible, leading to significant losses during wet harvest conditions. Breeders are working to combine high malt quality with improved sprouting tolerance. Promising new lines in cooperative trials may soon provide a solution, offering growers better protection without sacrificing malt quality.

Read: Chit happens: Understanding pre-harvest sprouting challenges and future solutions – The Barley Bin