Molecular analysis of grain hardness genes in wheat and barley

Grain hardness or texture is a commercially important trait that governs the end use of wheat. The variability in grain texture enables the production of different food products and eating qualities. Similarly, grain texture affects malting and processing quality of barley with relevance to its end-use. This study investigated the grain hardness genes of Australian wheat and barley cultivars. Worldwide landraces were also investigated for gene diversity. Novel genetic variation was identified and several findings were made that might enhance our understanding of the relationship of these genes with grain texture.