The James Hutton Institute has played a crucial role in a major international study to create the most comprehensive DNA-based genetic map of barley to date. 

Recently published in one of the world’s foremost scientific journals, Nature, the research has provided unprecedented insights into the crop's evolution and adaptation, such as disease resistance, plant architecture and starch mobilisation. 

Findings will have significant implications for Scottish agriculture, where barley is the major crop and underpins the iconic malt whisky industry.  It provides a template for developing barley varieties better suited to Scottish growing conditions, enhancing knowledge to support sustainable farming practices.

Contributions from scientists at the International Barley Hub (IBH) at the James Hutton Institute were integral to the project, which involved sequencing 76 different wild and cultivated barley genomes.

The IBH is part of the newly opened Crop Innovation Centre, funded as part of a £62m investment through the Tay Cities Region Deal (TCRD) by the UK and Scottish Governments.

Led by Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), the study focused on the pan-genome of barley, which represents the complete set of genomic sequences, that can be found within a species. 

Dr. Micha Bayer, a senior scientist at the James Hutton Institute, said: "This pangenome provides a powerful new tool for understanding barley's species-wide genetic diversity at unprecedented resolution.  It will accelerate our ability to develop more resilient and productive barley varieties."

Professor Robbie Waugh, Director of the International Barley Hub at the JHI and leader of the UK’s contribution to the project commented: "Our work on this project has uncovered fascinating and previously hidden insights into how barley has adapted to different environments and agricultural practices over time."

This collaborative project underscores The James Hutton Institute's position as a world-leading centre for barley research, and demonstrates its commitment to advancing agricultural science and supporting sustainable food and drink sectors.

Professor Waugh added: ‘The insights gained from this research will inform future breeding programs, and could lead to new barley varieties with improved yield potential and increased resilience to climate change, while maintaining the grain quality required for malting and food production.”

The James Hutton Institute continues to be at the forefront of crop genomics research, ensuring that Scottish science plays a vital role in addressing global food security challenges