Assessment of barley quality by light transmission - the rapid LTm meter

An estimate of the quality of barley endosperm can be obtained from the pro portion of light that is transmitted through the grain. Barleys with steely endosperm structure transmit more light than those with mealy endosperm st ructure. The LTm meter can be used to assess these grains quickly, simply a nd effectively. By analysing single grains of each sample it is possible to obtain an estimate of endosperm homogeneity. LTm assessments of endosperm quality and homogeneity are related to the qua lity of malt made from that barley as indicated by either the Calcofluor te st or by the LTm meter itself. Thus the LTm meter can be used to predict ma lting performance from barley quality.