Grain quality research for cereals and oilseeds

From understanding grain quality components to the publication of variety performance data for key quality parameters, our research provides robust information to guide crop management and help farmers meet market specifications.

Across the diverse markets for cereals and oilseeds, there are numerous measures of quality. Some measures have remained unchanged for decades, whereas others continue to change.

Additionally, crop genetics and the environment (in the field and in grain stores) influence quality. Consequently, grain quality is relatively complex. In fact, grain quality can be highly variable – even across an individual ear.

AHDB research focuses on:

• Investment in crop genetics, including the provision of variety performance data for key quality parameters (via the Recommended Lists)
• Monitoring specific aspects of grain quality, such as mycotoxins
• Understanding the influence of agronomy on crop quality (e.g. disease and nutrients)

To help grain realise financial premiums, where these are available, it is essential to select varieties with the potential to meet market specifications set by flour millers, maltsters, and others in the supply chain.

Assessment of direct measures of grain quality – such as protein content (%), specific weight and Hagberg Falling Number in wheat – is a core part of the RL. The project also assesses elements that have an indirect impact on quality – such as disease resistance and lodging. Additionally, the RL facilitates the introduction of new quality traits, through specialist categories, where necessary, to maintain or enhance access to markets for grain, both in the UK and overseas.

AHDB is highly valued for its independent work on monitoring agri-chemical residues and contaminants. Conducted since the mid-1980s in the UK, the latest project phase involves annual surveys of mycotoxins (e.g. DON, ZON, T2/HT2, OTA and ergot alkaloids) and other key contaminants.

Data is collected from representative commercial samples of UK-grown and imported wheat, barley and oats and co-products (wheatfeed and oatfeed). Based on harvest 2020 results, no samples exceeded the maximum levels for mycotoxins. Over 400 pesticides and seven metals (including four regulated metals) were analysed, with no maximum residue level (MRL) exceedances detected.

This project helps to provide customer confidence and quantitative reference points for industry data. It also helps the supply chain prepare for changes to legislation.

Fusarium langsethiae is the main fusarium species that infects oats. It causes fusarium head blight (FHB) and produces HT-2 and T-2 mycotoxins.

Although these mycotoxins remain during storage (they do not increase), they are significantly reduced during processing (dehulling) and surveys show that exposure to these toxins from oat products in the UK diet is very low.

However, in 2024, the European Commission set a legal limit for the maximum combined level of T-2 and HT-2 of 1,250 ppb in unprocessed oats (with husk), which applies to EU Member States and Northern Ireland.

Although there are no legal or indicative limits for T-2 and HT-2 in Great Britain, it is important to understand the risk of oat crops exceeding these limits and to prepare for potential new legislation.

Previous studies show varietal differences in combined HT-2 and T-2 concentrations, which are typically higher (with greater variability) in winter oats than in spring oats.

This project will quantify the HT-2 and T-2 content of samples from all spring oat and winter oat varieties in the AHDB Recommended Lists (RL) trials for six harvest years (2021 to 2026).

It will generate data on the variation in HT-2 and T-2 concentrations in commercial oat varieties, which will ultimately help guide variety choice, as part of an integrated strategy to manage mycotoxin risks.

Ergot affects UK cereals (wheat, barley, rye, triticale and, occasionally, oats) and many grass weeds. Although it does not particularly affect yield, ergots produce alkaloids that are highly toxic when ingested by humans and livestock. Currently, GB has contractual limits for ergot by weight for feed grain and zero tolerance for all other grain. In 2022, the EU introduced stricter levels for specific cereals and products traded in the EU, which included limits for ergot alkaloids for the first time (which are harder to detect).

The movement towards more field margins (with ergot-susceptible species), the adoption of reduced tillage and general increases in grass-weed pressures mean it is getting harder to manage ergot effectively, particularly when conditions are conducive to infection and development (such as seen in the 2023/24 growing season).

This project will improve understanding of the pathogen’s life cycle and identify ways to manage ergot risk in cereal crops. 

The annual AHDB Cereal Quality Survey looks at the key parameters of wheat and barley quality for the most recent harvest.

Grain quality is influenced by many factors, such as disease, nutrients and varieties.

Information on all grain quality research projects is available in our research archive:

• In the ‘Sector’ drop-down box, select ‘Cereals & Oilseeds’
• In the ‘Topic’ drop-down box, select ‘Quality and safety’

Note: A report is submitted at the end of each project. After review (which can take several weeks), the final project report is published on the corresponding project page. At this stage, the project is official complete.