A new future for an old crop: barley enters the genomics age
The barley genome is almost twice the size of that of humans and determining the sequence of its DNA has presented a major challenge.
Higher yields, improved pest and disease resistance and enhanced nutritional value are among potential benefits of an international scientific research effort that has resulted in an integrated physical, genetical and functional sequence assembly of the barley genome, as described in a paper published in the prestigious journal Nature.
The new resource, produced by the International Barley Sequencing Consortium (IBSC), which includes the French Genomic Resource Center (INRA-CNRGV), will facilitate the development of new and better barley varieties able to cope with the demands of climate change. It should also help in the fight against cereal crop diseases, which cause millions in losses every year.