Researchers at the Carlsberg Research Laboratory (CRL) have identified a gene that could protect cereal crops from a climate-driven phenomenon known as pre-harvest sprouting (PHS).
An international team of scientists – led by CRL – have uncovered how the complex genetics of a single gene called MKK3 control seed dormancy and sprouting risk in barley.
The research, published in peer-reviewed academic journal Science, could help uncover “new ways to breed crops that are both resilient to climate extremes and suited for diverse agricultural needs”, said CRL.
PHS of cereal crops like barley, wheat and rice is becoming more common amid unpredictable weather in growing regions. It occurs when rain or humidity causes seeds to germinate before harvest.
These grains often don’t meet quality requirements and are more susceptible to spoilage, mould, and fungal contamination, resulting in “billions of dollars in losses” globally, according to CRL.
By using “advanced genetic analysis and field trials across continents”, researchers were able to map the diversity of MKK3 gene variants in barley from around the world.
It is hoped the research will help highlight regions where farmers face the greatest risk from PHS, and demonstrate how targeted breeding can help with crop performance and resilience.
“This breakthrough is bigger than beer – it’s about brewing a better tomorrow for everyone,” said Birgitte Skadhauge, head of the Carlsberg Research Laboratory. “By publishing our research in Science, we’re inviting the global scientific community to build on our findings, accelerate progress, and help secure the future of food.”
Food security research
CRL was undertaking “an enormous amount” of research involving seeds and grains to improve food security, said Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, global head of sustainability & ESG at Carlsberg Group.
As well as seeking to tackle PHS, the GMO-free facility is conducting experiments and running breeding programmes to help increase drought and heat tolerance, disease resistance and nutrient use efficiency in common cereal crops.
It is also exploring how alternative, climate resilient grains such as sorghum and fonio can be domesticated to make them more suitable for use in brewing.
In Africa, some brewers were already using sorghum due to “unavailability of barley and price pressure”, Hoffmeyer said.
While Carlsberg is unlikely to use such grains in its flagship namesake Pilsner any time soon, it had already partnered with Brooklyn Brewery to launch a beer brewed using fonio last year, Hoffmeyer pointed out.
“It’s about trying to get the benefits of a crop that can grow in different conditions, but still getting a high quality of beer,” he said. “That’s always the balance that you have to strike.”
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