An International Consortium Publishes an Ordered Barley Genome Resource

On October 17, 2012, the International Barley Genome Sequencing Consortium published an integrated physical, genetic, and functional map of barley’s approximately 5.1-gigabase genome. The resource anchored most of the genome to a high-resolution genetic map and identified tens of thousands of high-confidence genes and extensive variation among accessions. The publication did not complete every part of a reference genome, but it gave crop scientists a new platform for gene discovery and genome-assisted breeding. For brewing, that supports more targeted work on yield, disease resistance, climate adaptation, and the grain and malting traits required by maltsters and brewers.