(Korea Agricultural News= Reporter Kim Eunjin) The Rural Development Administration (RDA, Director Kwon Jae-han) is distributing 13 barley varieties developed by the RDA through the Korea Rural Community Corporation and the National Institute of Crop Science.
The RDA will accept applications for seeds of seven varieties, including 'Ssakingrang' and 'Hoggang', through the 'Seed Plaza' website and hotline until the 29th. The National Institute of Crop Science will accept applications for seeds of six varieties, including 'Hyemakhan' and 'Hyenuri', from the 27th to September 3rd on its website.
The prices for the RDA distributed varieties are 36,000 won per 20kg for barley for hulled barley and beer barley, and 41,000 won for rice barley. However, the 'Betahealth' and 'Hyemakhan' varieties, which are registered as plant patents, will only be distributed to institutions (or individuals) that have received technology transfer from the RDA.
Among the hulled barley, 'Ssakingrang' has strong resistance to cold and diseases, resulting in high yield. It has a high polyphenol content, high enzyme activity, and excellent sprout functionality.
The rice barley 'Nurichal' is resistant to barley stripe mosaic virus (barley stunt disease) and lodging, resulting in high production. 'Hoggang' is resistant to lodging and has a brighter white color than existing varieties. 'Baeksujongchal' has less discoloration, so the color does not change when cooked, and it is sticky and bright when made into bread.
The beer barley 'Gangmaek' and 'Hodan' are resistant to lodging and diseases, with high yield and excellent beer-making characteristics. 'Gwangmaek' is resistant to cold and has a high ratio of well-ripened normal barley (grain filling rate). 'Saeho-pum' is a new variety with improved resistance to lodging and powdery mildew, which were the shortcomings of existing varieties. The yield has increased by about 11%, and the malt quality remains the same, making it highly usable for industrial purposes.