beta-glucan content in caryopses of oat varieties with regard to cultivation year and nitrogen level.

The positive effects of (1-3),(1-4)-beta-D-glucans on the health of human beings gave reason to investigate the production of these compounds in caryopses of oat and their dependence on genetic and environmental conditions. The caryopses of 18 German oat varieties and the effect of three nitrogen rates were tested for 2 years. The beta-glucan content (% DM) depends on the oat variety and is influenced by prevailing climatic conditions during the rest year. With increasing nitrogen fertilization, the beta-glucan content (% DM) increases. The beta-glucan-ranking of oat varieties is more or less stable in different environments.