CEREAL QUALITY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

Objective 1: Characterization of the effects and interactions of barley glycine-rich RNA­-binding proteins and NAC transcription factors in the control of flowering, leaf senescence, and stress resistance. The influence of these genes/proteins on plant development and grain yield/quality will be analyzed using both lab methods and field experiments.Objective 2: Identification and characterization of barley papain-like cysteine proteases in­volved in bulk protein degradation and nitrogen recycling during leaf senescence. This objective will improve our understanding of a fundamental process which controls crop nitrogen use efficiency and grain protein concentration.Objective 3: Identification and characterization of barley papain-like cysteine proteases in­volved in storage protein degradation during seed germination and malting. Results from this objective will enhance our control over important malt quality parameters, particularly soluble proteins and free amino nitrogen (FAN).