Assessment of RP-HPLC Columns to Separate Hordein Proteins and Identify Cultivars of Barley and Barley Malt. B. A. Marchylo and J. E. Kruger, Grain Research Laboratory, Canadian Grain Commission, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 3G8. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 43:0029, 1985.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to resolve the hordein protein fraction of barleys and malts. Separations obtained by three RP-HPLC columns differing in size and/or alkyl chain length were studied. The effect of elution time and column temperature on resolution of the hordeins also was assessed. Resolution was comparable between columns, but differences in selectivity were observed. The major differences between columns were related to speed of analysis and versatility. Computer analysis of chromatograms was used to assist in the identification of cultivars. Analysis of 22 Canadian barley cultivars and 10 cultivars of barley malt revealed that the majority were distinguishable. RP-HPLC, therefore, appears to have considerable potential to serve as a technique for barley and malt cultivar identification.

Keywords: Barley, Cultivar identification, Hordeins, Malt barley, Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography