Functional Genomics in the Productivity and End-Use Quality of Barley

Abstract

Functional genomics is a technology through which large sets of genes that influence a particular biological process are identified. Functional genomics comprises several sub-disciplines, including genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. The total number of genes in plant genomes lies somewhere in the range of 25,000 to 40,000. Thus, functional genomics technologies must be geared to high throughput data collection and high throughput analyses of gene structure and function. Additional specialised resources, including barley mutant libraries, barley DNA microarrays and high-density genetic maps of barley, represent critical support technologies. The technologies will be illustrated by reference to specific applications relating to malting and brewing performance, such as the biosynthesis of cell wall polysaccharides, and to productivity, where tolerance to a range of abiotic stresses is a key determinant of yield. Finally, the potential impacts and benefits of functional genomics research for the barley industry will be addressed. Where a gene controlling an important trait has been isolated, a diagnostic marker that is 100% accurate in predicting the phenotype of the plants for the target trait could be used in high throughput screening of germplasm in breeding programs.