Researchers found they can use DNA-based prediction to select barley breeding lines with lower levels of a carcinogen precursor called glycosidic nitrile — and do it in the same season the plants grow, without waiting for a slow lab process that normally delays decisions.
1
All 176 elite barley breeding lines tested in 2023 produced glycosidic nitriles, confirming the trait is widespread in current germplasm.
2
Genomic selection successfully separated high and low glycosidic nitrile groups with a statistically significant mean difference of 0.8 ppm (P = 0.003), validating same-season selection as feasible.
3
Glycosidic nitrile content showed moderate heritability (h² = 0.42) and strong year-to-year genetic correlation (r = 0.79), indicating the trait is stable and genetically tractable despite being controlled by many genes.
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