In the Lab: It's Genetic

By Troy Lane /  June 9, 2017

 Troy is an associate plant breeder working in our Global Barley Research facility in Fort Collins, CO. Troy has his master's degree in biotechnology from the University of South Florida.

 

Here at Global Barley Research in Fort Collins, CO, researchers are breeding new barley varieties for Budweiser brewed all over the globe.  We are using advanced genetic screening and tissue culture technologies to select better varieties for our growers, maltsters and brewers. 

In the Genetics lab, we are using marker assisted selection to take a deeper look into agronomic, quality, and disease factors on a genetic basis.  This technique allows us to identify new variety candidates more accurately and earlier in the breeding process.  Using genomic data, we are assembling statistical models that help generate dynamic crossing schemes, allowing rapid trait integration into elite lines.  We also have the capability to test purity of production barley and malt samples as they pass through the supply chain, ensuring consistent quality in the malt houses and breweries.

Using an advanced plant tissue culture technique known as Doubled Haploid production, we are able to reduce the breeding time by creating genetically pure lines significantly faster than with traditional breeding. This process allows us to create large populations of genetically diverse individuals in a laboratory setting.  As new diseases arise and the global climates continue to change, Doubled Haploid production will be a critical step in responding and rapidly developing new varieties.

Combining advanced genetics and doubled haploid technologies increases our ability to make significant gains in variety development.  Together, these tools contribute to creating reliable and sustainable varieties for growers and the best quality malt for our brewers.