Post-anthesis thermal stress induces differential accumulation of bioactive compounds in field-grown barley.

Post-anthesis thermal stress had a significant effect on β-glucans, arabinoxylans, phenolic compound concentration and antioxidant capacity of barley grains. Final grain quality could, at least partially, be controlled in order to increase the bioactive concentrations in the barley grain, by cultivation in growing areas prone to heat stress. Late sowings or late flowering genotypes could also be considered, should a premium be implemented to compensate for lower yields. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.