Variability for grain extract viscosity in inbred lines and an F₂ population of rye (Secale cereale L.)

Variability in grain viscosity attributed to pentosans was investigated in 28 inbred lines of spring rye and in an F 2 population derived by crossing lines with high and low viscosity. Variability in viscosity was not related to the level of total soluble pentosans but was highly correlated (r 2 = 0.83) with the level of high molecular weight (> 500 KDa) soluble pentosans. Variability in the level of high molecular weight pentosans did not appear to be related to seed characteristics such as colour, plumpness, or starch content. It appears that there is variability for viscosity within rye germplasm and thus it should be possible to breed ryes which produce grain with either high or low viscosity. Rye with low grain viscosity may be preferred for animal feed.