Summarising the differences in early-germination gene expression between varieties of malting and feed-quality barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

We have used Microarray Analysis to study differences in gene expression patterns during the first four days of germination between malting and non-malting varieties of barley (H. vulgare L.). The rate and consistency of germination during malting is a major qualitative factor influencing the economic value of malt. With this in mind, we studied three varieties of malting barley (‘Alexis’, ‘Tallon’, and ‘Sloop’) that exhibited diverse germination rates under laboratory conditions, with the aim of pinpointing differences in gene expression. We then analysed the differences in gene expression profiles between a malting variety (‘Alexis’) and a nonmalting variety (‘Galleon’) to more closely identify patterns of expression that could be associated with malting barley. Here, we present a synthesis of the microarray data and report on our progress towards defining possible control points in the germination process.