Glucan production and glucanase activity - key parameters to improve the cell wall modification of winter malting barley

摘要

The work provides an important contribution towards clarifying the physiological, enzymatic and genetic foundations for the cell wall modification of winter barley. New possibilities to improve the breeding of winter malting barley were outlined. The glucan production during grain maturation was analysed. The genes responsible were analysed using expression studies. Genotypes with low glucan contents were identified and suitable marker systems for breeders developed. The retarded production of glucanases and their unfavourable distribution within the germinating grain were identified as important causes for the poor cell-wall modification of winter barleys.