Barley variety identification using DNA

Peter Portmann, The Grain Pool WA
Nicole F. Rice, Southern Cross University
Robert J. Henry, Southern Cross University

Abstract

Varietal purity is an important commercial driver in the trade of malting barley. Receival standards for malting barley across Australia specify a minimum of 95% varietal purity. Current variety identification methods within the grain trade rely on differentiation by protein molecular weights, but increasingly the industry is confronted with different varieties demonstrating identical protein patterns and inhibiting conclusive varietal identity of a parcel of grain.

DNA based technology, and particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are potentially a useful commercial tool for conducting variety identification and this project was established to test the feasibility of developing a cost effective commercial test for varietal identity and varietal purity in barley, using SNPs.