Variation in the chemical composition and physical characteristics of grain from winter barley varieties

Abstract

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate the range of variation in chemical composition and in physical parameters of grain associated with feed quality of barley under the conditions of Southeast Bulgaria. A set of 21 winter six-rowed barley varieties from different geographic origins were investigated. The study was conducted in the Institute of Agriculture – Karnobat, during the period 2013/2014 – 2014/2015. Grain samples of the studied varieties were analysed for crude protein, lysine, starch, crude fat, crude ash, crude fiber, hectoliter weight and 1000 grains weight. The coefficient of variation was the highest in crude fat (21.52%) followed by lysine (9.52%). Low variation among varieties was found in nitrogen-free extract (CV=1.56%) and hectoliter weight (CV=2.77%). Correlations of crude protein with lysine, starch and crude fiber were negative. Starch content was positively associated with crude fat and hectoliter weight. Significant negative correlation of nitrogen-free extract with crude fat and crude fiber was found. Differences in chemical composition and physical parameters of grain indicated that the studied varieties can provide a source of germplasm for breeding winter barley varieties with improved feed quality.

Keywords

• barley
• grain
• chemical composition
• physical parameter