In the last decade, genomic research has helped researchers identify the ancestry of barley and identify the genes involved in domestication. In addition to the brittle spike that distinguishes landraces from wild accessions, barley breeders have also selected other traits over the past 10,000 years. Genetics research has revealed that barley's evolution has largely been influenced by selection for other traits, including grain size and flavor.
Although
barley is relatively inexpensive, it has numerous benefits. It provides a range
of beneficial qualities, including erosion control in semi-arid regions, and
weed suppression in light soils, and is an effective topsoil-protecting crop in
times of drought. In addition, barley is salt-tolerant compared to other small
grains and can soak up excess subsoil moisture to prevent saline seepage. These
traits make it an ideal crop for reclaiming overworked fields. It also improves
soil tilth and nutrient cycling in perennial cropping systems in Hardiness Zone
8 and warmer.
Another
benefit of barley is its high fiber content. It promotes regularity and may
help people lose weight. The fiber in barley can act as a "bulking
agent" in the digestive system, making people feel full for longer periods
of time. Barley has also been found to contain high levels of beta-glucan
fiber, which may help promote probiotic activity and increase the number of
beneficial bacteria in the gut. This may help control inflammation in the gut
and regulate blood sugar levels. There are two types of barley: pearl and
hulled. Pearl barley is softer and releases its starch into the cooking liquid.
It is used as a thickener in soups and risotto-style cooking. The Latin
America Barley market will continue to dominate the global
barley industry for the next five years. Key players in the market include
Maltexco SA (Chile), Grain Corp. (Australia), and Syngenta AG (France).
Recently, Holetta Agricultural Research Center and the International Center for
Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas launched two varieties of barley, HB1963,
and HB1964, which will yield three times as much as standard barley. This is
expected to augment Latin America’s barley market growth.