Biofortification is a good option where the nutrients are increased in the grain itself using agronomic, genetic, or biotechnological interventions. Biofortification of staple crops has been broadly accepted as the best strategy to overcome these limitations.
Barley is considered one of the most important cereal crops, along with rice, corn, and wheat. The cultivation of barley has a large distribution worldwide and it ranks fourth both in production quantity and cultivated area among grain crops.
Barley is gaining attention as a functional food because of its medicinal value in reducing the risk of a number of health problems. It is a very good source of soluble fiber and the nutritive value is similar to the major cereals.
There is need to biofortify barley with minerals (iron, zinc, and selenium), vitamins, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds with health beneficial activities.
Barley being a model cereal crop has been targeted to improve its micronutrient content. Ferti-fortification (biofortification through fertilization) in barley is mainly focused on the increase of bioavailable Zn and Fe content in grains, which are considered the major mineral deficiencies worldwide.
Its zinc content has been improved by overexpression of zinc transporters. The expression of DHPS and phytase gene causes an increase in lysine iron and zinc bioavailability in barley.
Essential amino acid lysine has been enhanced in barley by expressing DHPS gene [dapA]. β glucans content has been increased in barley by overexpression of cellulose synthase-like gene [HvCslF].
Barley biofortification aims at developing micronutrient rich cultivars using conventional plant breeding along with advanced biotechnological approaches and agronomic practices and is considered to be the most economical solution to human micronutrient’s deficiency.
Other methods of barley biofortification - Genetic Biofortification: through breeding and genetic engineering.
Biofortification of staple crops, such as cereals, is a successful approach for dealing with micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Over the last decades, great achievements have been made in this direction, especially for crops like wheat and rice.
Biofortification of barley
