Unraveling the Potential of β-D-Glucans in <i>Poales</i>: From Characterization to Biosynthesis and Factors Affecting the Content

This review consolidates current knowledge on β-D-glucans in Poales and presents current findings and connections that expand our understanding of the characteristics, functions, and applications of this cell wall polysaccharide. By associating information from multiple disciplines, the review offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and consumers interested in harnessing the benefits of β-D-glucans in various fields. The review can serve as a valuable resource for plant biology researchers, cereal breeders, and plant-based food producers, providing insights into the potential of β-D-glucans and opening new avenues for future research and innovation in the field of this bioactive and functional ingredient

Formation of Potential Heterotic Groups of Oat Using Variation at Microsatellite Loci

An evaluation of polymorphism at the microsatellite loci was applied in distinguishing 85 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes selected from the collection of genetic resources. The set of genotypes included oats with white, yellow, and brown seeds as well as a subgroup of naked oat (Avena sativa var. nuda Koern). Variation at these loci was used to form potential heterotic groups potentially used in the oat breeding program. Seven from 20 analyzed microsatellite loci revealed polymorphism. Altogether, 35 microsatellite alleles were detected (2–10 per locus). Polymorphic patterns completely differentiated all genotypes within the subgroups of white, brown, and naked oats, respectively. Only within the greatest subgroup of yellow genotypes, four pairs of genotypes remained unseparated. Genetic differentiation between the oat subgroups allowed the formation of seven potential heterotic groups using the STRUCTURE analysis. The overall value of the fixation index (Fst) suggested a high genetic differentiation between the subgroups and validated a heterotic grouping. This approach can be implemented as a simple predictor of heterosis in parental crosses prior to extensive field testing or development and implementation of more accurate genomic selection

Relationship between the Content of β-D-Glucans and Infection with Fusarium Pathogens in Oat (Avena sativa L.) Plants

In human nutrition, oats (Avena sativa L.) are mainly used for their dietary fiber, &beta;-D-glucans and protein content. The content of &beta;-D-glucans in oat grain is 2&ndash;7% and is influenced by genetic and/or environmental factors. High levels of this cell walls polysaccharide are observed in naked grains of cultivated oat. It the work, the relationship between the content of &beta;-D-glucans in oat grain and the infection with Fusarium graminearum (FG) and Fusarium culmorum (FC) was analyzed. The hypothesis was that oats with higher content of &beta;-D-glucans are better protected and the manifestation of artificial inoculation with Fusarium strains is weaker. In the 22 oat samples analyzed, the content of &beta;-D-glucans was 0.71&ndash;5.06%. In controls, the average content was 2.15% for hulled and 3.25% for naked grains of cultivated oats. After the infection, a decrease was observed in all, naked, hulled and wild oats. As an evidence of lower rate of infection, statistically significant lower percentage of pathogen DNA (0.39%) and less deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin (FC infection 10.66 mg/kg and FG 4.92 mg/kg) were observed in naked grains compared to hulled where the level of pathogen DNA was 2.09% and the average DON level was 21.95 mg/kg (FC) and 5.52 mg/kg (FG)

The Cell-Wall &beta;-d-Glucan in Leaves of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Affected by Fungal Pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae

In addition to the structural and storage functions of the (1,3; 1,4)-&beta;-d-glucans (&beta;-d-glucan), the possible protective role of this polymer under biotic stresses is still debated. The aim of this study was to contribute to this hypothesis by analyzing the &beta;-d-glucans content, expression of related cellulose synthase-like (Csl) Cs1F6, CslF9, CslF3 genes, content of chlorophylls, and &beta;-1,3-glucanase content in oat (Avena sativa L.) leaves infected with the commonly occurring oat fungal pathogen, Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae (B. graminis). Its presence influenced all measured parameters. The content of &beta;-d-glucans in infected leaves decreased in all used varieties, compared to the non-infected plants, but not significantly. Oats reacted differently, with Aragon and Vaclav responding with overexpression, and Bay Yan 2, Ivory, and Racoon responding with the underexpression of these genes. Pathogens changed the relative ratios regarding the expression of CslF6, CslF9, and CslF3 genes from neutral to negative correlations. However, changes in the expression of these genes did not statistically significantly affect the content of &beta;-d-glucans. A very slight indication of positive correlation, but statistically insignificant, was observed between the contents of &beta;-d-glucans and chlorophylls. Some isoforms of &beta;-1,3-glucanases accumulated to a several-times higher level in the infected leaves of all varieties. New isoforms of &beta;-1,3-glucanases were also detected in infected leaves after fungal infection