A study was performed on the mechanical properties of kernel sections of the initial form and 45 genetic variations of hull-less barley in uniaxial compression tests. Kernel samples were subjected to X-ray detection and analysis of the obtained images was made to determine the number of internal cracks. It was found that, in a vast majority of the genetic variations of hull-less barley, the susceptibility to internal damage to the parenchyma was significantly greater than that of the initial form, but this did not result in any significant decrease of the compressive resistance of the kernels. A great majority of the genetic variations was characterized by kernels with modulus of elasticity significantly higher as compared to that of the initial form. Controlled genetic mutation permits the obtainment of forms with higher mechanical strength.