Effect of Irradiation on Quality Characteristics of Clipper Barley and Malt. A. B. K. Basson, Southern Associated Maltsters (Pty) Ltd., P.O. Box 27, Caledon, 7230, Republic of South Africa, and O. T. de Villiers, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 3078, Stellenbosch, 7600, Republic of South Africa. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 50:0106, 1992.

Clipper barley was subjected to three different levels of ⁶⁰Co irradiation to determine its effect on fungal counts and barley and malt quality. Resistance to irradiation differed among the various fungi tested. This resulted in a rapid increase in numbers during the malting process in some of the more resistant strains. Malt quality parameters were sensitive to ⁶⁰Co irradiation. A lowering of extract levels, total soluble nitrogen, free amino nitrogen, and α- and β-amylase levels and an increase in color and viscosity were observed with increasing doses of radiation.

Keywords: Barley, Fungi, Irradiation, Malt, Quality