2025 OzBarley field trial sites open to researchers

Once again, barley researchers are being invited to apply for access to OzBarley field trial sites across Australia, to measure their trait of interest on the OzBarley elite lines.

The OzBarley project, which is led by the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) and the University of Adelaide, is developing a comprehensive genome-to-phenome database that includes over 200 barley varieties representing the crop’s breeding history in Australia. 

Five field trial sites will be established for the 2025 growing season – York in WA, Roseworthy in SA, Wagga Wagga and Narrabri in NSW, and Gatton in Queensland. Each trial site will provide access to the ~220 barley varieties of the OzBarley elite panel. 

Researchers participating in the 2025 trials can access single or multiple sites.

By applying for access to the trial sites, barley researchers can conduct research into specific traits or processes of interest without the expense of establishing their own field trials. They also benefit from the publicly available genotypic data for the OzBarley panel. Examples of suitable projects include measurement of photosynthetic or water use efficiency parameters, development or validation of novel phenotyping methods, or post-harvest assessments of grain quality.

All phenotypic data collected must be shared under FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) after a 9-month quarantine period.  This helps build the OzBarley dataset while preserving the principal researcher’s first mover advantage for analysis and publication.

Expressions of interest should be made by downloading the OzBarley 2025 Field Trial Access Scheme Information (MS Word file, 315kB). This document includes project information, participation requirements and the access application form.

About the OzBarley project

OzBarley is a publicly available Genotype-to-Phenotype (G2P) national data asset representing the breeding history of barley in Australia. Pedigree and genotypic data for the ~220 elite lines making up the OzBarley core panel is available to researchers for them to combine with their own phenotypic data, to help fast-track further gene discovery.

The project is funded by the NCRIS projects Australian Research Data Commons, APPN and Bioplatforms Australia (BPA), and the GRDC, with co-contributions from many research and industry partners.

Download the OzBarley 2025 Field Trial Access Scheme Information now.

6 March 2025