Genetic and environmental variability in total and soluble β-glucan in European oat genotypes

► Statistical analyses indicated that genotype had a major effect on β-glucan content. ► Wide variation in solubility of β-glucan due to genotype and environment was found. ► Hierarchical clustering separated the accessions with a similar β-glucan composition. ► Many wild species showed high percentages of total and soluble β-glucan. ► NIRS calibrations allowed to predict total and soluble β-glucan percentages.