Functional Quality of Brazilian Barley: How Temperature and Rainfall Modulate β-Glucan and Dietary Fiber Levels
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of genotype and growing environment on the β-glucan and dietary fiber (DF) content of whole grain barley cultivars grown in Brazil. Cultivars BRS 225, BRS 195, and MN 743 were cultivated during the 2008 and 2009 crop years across two distinct locations (Passo Fundo and Victor Graeff). Analytical quantification followed AACC protocols for moisture, protein, and fiber fractions, while β-glucan was determined using the McCleary enzymic method. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified among genotypes and environments regarding β-glucan, total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Environmental variables, specifically air temperature, insolation, and rainfall, played a decisive role in fiber accumulation. Higher air temperatures and increased insolation were positively correlated with β-glucan levels, whereas rainfall generally exerted a negative influence. The substantial variation observed within the same location across different years underscores the necessity of considering both genetic potential and specific climatic windows to optimize the functional and nutritional quality of Brazilian barley.
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