Biotech Updates

New Oat Variety Developed to Help Reduce Cholesterol

September 13, 2017

Researchers at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) developed a new variety of high yielding oat with increased levels of beta glucan. 

The new variety called Kowari is a dwarf-type oat that produces more beta glucan than other varieties. Beta glucans are natural sugars that help decrease blood cholesterol re-absorption. The variety also produces more yield and has better disease resistance compared with other varieties in the market.

Kowari is a product of the National Oat Breeding Program of SARDI. The program has produced most of the oat varieties in the Australian market. Kowari seeds are expected to be available in Australia by next year. 

Read the news release from the Primary Industries and Regions of South Australia.