Tocols and carotenoids of einkorn,emmer and spring wheat varieties: Selection for breeding and production

Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L., subsp. monococcum), emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schuebl [Schrank], subsp. dicoccum) and spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) may be rich in lipophilic antioxidants (tocols and carotenoids), and therefore potential food sources with good nutritional properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the contents of major lipophilic antioxidants beneficial for human health in wheat varieties and landraces for breeding and production. In field experiments over two years, fifteen einkorn, emmer and spring wheat varieties were analysed for the contents of tocols and carotenoids in grain. A high carotenoid content (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene) was typical for the selected einkorn genotypes. Among the analysed wheat species, the highest content was of β-tocotrienol, especially in the einkorn accessions. α-Tocotrienol was abundant in einkorn and emmer wheat species. Higher contents of α- and β-tocopherols were characteristic of spring and emmer wheats. δ-Tocotrienol has been detected for the first time in einkorn and some emmer accessions, although in low concentrations. Significant effects of genotype on the contents of carotenoids and tocols were found with einkorn differing from emmer and spring wheats. The year of cultivation had less effect on the contents of carotenoids and tocols. Selected accessions of einkorn with high contents of carotenoids and tocotrienols as well as spring and emmer wheats with higher contents of tocopherols are good sources of antioxidants with potential health promoting benefits for the production of nutritionally enhanced foods.     

Grain cadmium and zinc concentrations in wheat as affected by genotypic variation and potassium chloride fertilization

Thirteen bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and two durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) cultivars were grown over six site-years to identify differences in grain Cd and Zn concentrations, as affected by genotypic variation and soil application of potassium chloride (KCl) fertilizer. Application of KCl fertilizer did not consistently affect grain Cd concentration of wheat cultivars, but increased average grain yield and decreased average grain Zn in 4 of 6 site-years. However, soil type and year had significant effects on grain Cd and Zn, indicating a strong environmental effect on grain quality. Grain concentrations of Cd and Zn were generally lower for the clay loam (CL) than the fine sandy loam (FSL) soils. The wheat cultivars showed significant genotypic differences in grain concentrations of Cd and Zn, suggesting the potential of breeding to reduce Cd and increase Zn concentrations in grain. The two durum cultivars contained high concentrations of Cd but not Zn compared to the bread wheat. The interaction between cultivars and site-years was significant for grain Zn, but not for grain Cd, suggesting that grain Cd is a more stable trait than grain Zn across environments. Grain Zn and Cd were not related to each other but they both correlated negatively with grain yield. The lack of relationship between Zn and Cd suggests that breeding for enhanced Zn concentration can be attained without necessarily affecting grain Cd concentration. The negative relationship between Cd and Zn concentration and dry matter yield was likely the result of biological dilution, suggesting that genetic improvement leading to increased yield may concurrently decrease mineral concentration. Results of this study are useful to improve the mineral composition of wheat used for human consumption through the development of cultivars and use of agronomic management practices that increase Zn and/or reduce Cd concentrations in wheat grain.     

Alkylresorcinol composition allows the differentiation of Triticum spp. having different degrees of ploidy

Total alkylresorcinol (AR) content and homologue composition were assessed in whole grain flours of 15 varieties each of bread wheat, durum, spelt, emmer, and einkorn grown in four different environments. Bread wheat (761 ± 92 μg/g DM) and spelt (743 ± 57 μg/g) belonging to the hexaploid species showed higher AR concentrations than the tetraploid durum (654 ± 48 μg/g, p < 0.05), while the concentrations found in the diploid einkorn (737 ± 91 μg/g) and the tetraploid emmer (697 ± 94 μg/g) did not significantly differ from the other species. The AR content showed a remarkable heritability and, thus, seemed to be mainly determined by genetic factors. If ARs were assumed to be deposited within a specific AR-rich layer of the kernel, AR levels of all varieties would easily surpass their minimal inhibitory concentrations against fungal pathogens within this barrier layer. Although the AR carrying a C21:0 side chain was the main homologue in all species, the levels of all AR homologues and their relative composition significantly differed between hexaploid (bread wheat and spelt), tetraploid (durum and emmer) and diploid (einkorn) species. Consequently, a clear-cut differentiation of Triticum species and derived whole grain flours according to their degrees of ploidy was established based on concentrations of saturated C₁₇-, C₁₉-, C₂₁-, C₂₃-, and C₂₅-substituted ARs.     

Low molecular phytochemicals of Indian dwarf (Triticum sphaerococcum Percival) and Persian wheat (T. carthlicum Nevski) grain

Ancient wheat grain is considered by consumers to be more natural, pro-healthy and better tolerated, so these genotypes are being steadily reintroduced to cultivation. This study presents the content and composition of phenolic acids, alkylresorcinols, sterols, tocols and carotenoids in the grain of Indian dwarf and Persian wheats, extended by characteristics of their kernels (weight, dimensions and colour). To compare these features, four other wheat species (bread, spelt, durum and einkorn wheats) were used. It was found that the grain of Indian dwarf and Persian wheat is similar in weight and dimensions to grain of einkorn wheat, while in colour to bread wheat. Among the tested samples, grain of both new genotypes was the richest source of total low molecular phytochemicals, especially phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols, while being the weakest source of carotenoids. For these wheats, an enhanced share of ferulic acid (93–95%) was found, accompanied by higher quantitative and qualitative variability of homologues within sterols, tocols and carotenoids. In turn, the alkylresorcinol composition was related to wheat ploidy level.     

北京地区不同年代冬小麦品种籽粒微量元素含量的变化及其对水分的响应

为探讨北京地区小麦品种更替过程中籽粒微量元素含量的演变规律,选用20世纪60年代以来小麦品种更替过程中的7个主要推广品种,分别种植在春不浇水和春浇二水条件下,测定了小麦籽粒中Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu、蛋白质含量以及籽粒产量.结果表明,北京地区小麦品种更替过程中,随着产量的提高,籽粒微量元素含量并没有出现明显的稀释效应,而且有些营养成分含量(如Fe、Mn)随着年代更替出现明显提高的趋势;春不浇水降低了籽粒Fe、Zn、Cu和蛋白质含量,但提高了籽粒Mn含量.相关分析表明,小麦籽粒Fe、Zn、Cu含量与蛋白质含量呈正相关,Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu、蛋白质含量与籽粒产量、穗粒数和千粒重以及年代之间也呈正相关,说明在产量改良的过程中有望同步提高籽粒微量元素和蛋白质含量.     

Coleoptile length variation of near-isogenic Rht lines of modern CIMMYT bread and durum wheats

A set of 10 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and six durum wheat (T. turgidum L.) genotypes near-isogenic for either the Rht1 or Rht2 dwarfing genes were analyzed for plant height, kernel weight, coleoptile length and grain yield. Coleoptile length was measured at three different temperatures and plant height, kernel weight and grain yield determined in six different environments. Durum wheat, regardless of stature, produced longer coleoptiles than bread wheat at higher temperature. Within the non-Rht isolines, plant height and coleoptile length were independent characters. The tall durum wheats tended to be taller than their bread wheat counterparts, indicating an absence of minor genes for reduced height. However, a number of bread wheat cultivars showed relatively small height increases following removal of the Rht gene and substantially greater increases in coleoptile length. Coleoptile length was more highly correlated (r²=0.53, P<0.01) with seed weight among the non-Rht isolines compared to cultivars containing either Rht1 or Rht2. Grain yield and plant height were positively correlated among the semi-dwarf Rht isolines in 5 of 6 environments. No equivalent relationship existed among the non-Rht materials. Grain yield (standard sowing depth 3 cm) and coleoptile length were generally not significantly correlated within each isogenic grouping.

Plant breeders should be able to select short statured, non-Rht1 or non-Rht2 hexaploid bread wheat with better emergence characteristics. The non-Rht genotypes developed from the bread wheat cultivars Seri 82 and Culiacan 89 were identified as meeting these criteria. Wheats such as these could offer significant advantages to farmers in environments where deep sowing into stored soil moisture is practiced.     

Grain yield,zinc efficiency and zinc concentration of wheat cultivars grown in a zinc-deficient calcareous soil in field and greenhouse

Field experiments were carried out to study grain yield, zinc (Zn) efficiency and concentrations of Zn in shoot and grain of 37 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and three durum wheat (Triticum durum) cultivars grown in a Zn-deficient calcareous soil with (23 kg Zn ha⁻¹), and without, Zn fertilization in 1993–1994 and 1994–1995. The same Zn-deficient soil was used in greenhouse experiments to study shoot dry weight, Zn efficiency and shoot Zn concentrations of 21 bread and three durum wheat cultivars (same cultivars used in the field experiments). Zinc fertilization of cultivars in the field enhanced grain yield on average by 30% in both years. Increases in grain yield to Zn fertilization varied substantially between cultivars from 8% to 76%. Accordingly, there was large variability in Zn efficiency of cultivars, expressed as the ratio of grain yield or shoot dry-matter yield produced under Zn deficiency compared to that under Zn fertilization. On average, Zn efficiency values ranged from 57% to 92% for grain yield in field experiments and from 47% to 83% for shoot dry weight in greenhouse experiments. Most of the cultivars behaved similarly in their response to Zn deficiency in the field and greenhouse. The cultivars selected from local landraces had both, a high Zn efficiency and high yield under Zn-deficient conditions. The bread wheat cultivars, improved for irrigated conditions, had generally low Zn efficiency and low yield, both in the field and greenhouse. All durum wheat cultivars in this study also showed low levels of Zn efficiency, grain yield and shoot dry weight under Zn deficiency. Overall, there was no relation between Zn efficiency values and Zn concentrations in grain or shoot dry matter. The results presented here demonstrate the existence of substantial variation in Zn efficiency among wheat cultivars, particularly bread wheat cultivars, and suggest that wheat landrace populations are a valuable source of genes to improve high Zn efficiency of wheat for Zn-deficient soils.     

The influence of temperature extremes on some quality and starch characteristics in bread,biscuit and durum wheat

Environmental conditions during grain-fill can affect the duration of protein accumulation and starch deposition, and thus play an important role in grain yield and flour quality of wheat. Two bread-, one durum- and one biscuit wheat were exposed to extreme low (−5.5 °C for 3 h) and high (32 °C/15 °C day/night for three days) temperatures during grain filling under controlled conditions for two consecutive seasons. Flour protein content was increased significantly in one bread wheat, Kariega, under heat stress. Cold stress significantly reduced SDS sedimentation in both bread wheats. Kernel weight and diameter were significantly decreased at both stress treatments for the two bread wheats. Kernel characteristics of the biscuit wheat were thermo stable. Kernel hardness was reduced in the durum wheat for the heat treatment. Durum wheat had consistently low SDS sedimentation values and the bread wheat high values. Across the two seasons, the starch content in one bread wheat was significantly reduced by both high and low temperatures, as is reflected in the reduction of weight and diameter of these kernels. In the durum wheat, only heat caused a significant reduction in starch content, which is again reflected in the reduction of kernel weight and diameter.     

Wheat stem sawfly (Cephus pygmaeus L.) damage; impacts on grain yield, quality and marketing prices in Anatolia

This study aimed to draw the attention of the all stake holders attention to an underestimated insect pest of wheat in Southeastern Anatolia. The field studies were carried out in the experimental field of GAP Training, Extension and Research Center in Koruklu in 2003–2004 cropping season.

It was found that the number of sawfly damaged spikes varied between 6 and 12% in durum wheat and 8 and 12% in bread wheat. Comparing healthy grains, grain weight spike⁻¹ decreased significantly, giving 0.430 g less kernel weight in durum wheat and 0.385 g in bread wheat. Some of the grain quality characteristics of both sawfly damaged and healthy spikes were tested and it was found that protein content (%) in durum wheat, and 1000 kernel weight in bread wheat were reduced significantly, whilst, the SDS sedimentation value in bread wheat increased significantly for sawfly damaged grains. Grain yield losses by sawfly infestation were found to be 2.23% in durum wheat and 3.32% in bread wheat. Marketing price studies showed that sawfly damage reduced it significantly, resulting in $ 0.016 kg⁻¹ less price in bread wheat. But this was not serious for durum wheat.

It was concluded that income loss, depending on grain yield loss, un-harvestable broken spikes and lower marketing price of sawfly damaged grains, could be no less than $ 68.8 ha⁻¹ in durum wheat and $ 68.6 ha⁻¹ for bread wheat. Therefore, some control methods are required for sawfly infestation, where damage is already over the economic threshold (10–15% stem cut by pest) especially in bread wheat.     

Environmental and genotypic influences on trace element and mineral concentrations in whole meal flour of einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. subsp. monococcum)

Trace elements (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) and minerals (Ca, Mg, P and K) concentrations were determined in whole meal flour of five einkorn accessions and one bread wheat cultivar, cropped in four different locations for two years. The major factors influencing mineral levels were year and genotype, as well as their interaction. Einkorn varieties exhibited higher Zn (7.18 ± 0.76 mg/100 g DM), Fe (5.23 ± 0.47), Mn (4.65 ± 0.23), Cu (0.90 ± 0.08), Mg (151.2 ± 9.00) and P (541.1 ± 35.37) concentration than bread wheat. Mg concentration correlated positively with that of other bivalent cations (Zn and Ca). The relevant amount of trace elements consistently found in einkorn further confirms the potential of this cereal in human nutrition, either by direct consumption or by introgression of superior alleles into enhanced polyploid wheat cultivars.     

Evaluation of heat damage, sugars, amylases and colour in breads from einkorn, durum and bread wheat flours

To limit nutritional losses and optimise bread processing, heat damage indices (furosine, glucosylisomaltol, hydroxymethylfurfural), sugars, α-amylase, β-amylase and colour were monitored during bread manufacturing from refined flour of three einkorn, three bread and one durum wheat samples. The heat damage indices increased only during the baking step. Furosine was significantly lower in einkorn (on average, 9.3 ± 5.33 and 25.3 ± 10.70 mg/100 g protein in crumb and crust, respectively) than in bread wheat (31.6 ± 3.05 and 115.6 ± 13.53) and durum wheat (36.2 ± 2.82 and 165.0 ± 3.17). Glucosylisomaltol and hydroxymethylfurfural were detected only in the crust, with lower levels in einkorn (on average, 2.3 ± 1.78 and 10.0 ± 7.79 mg/kg DM, respectively) than in bread wheat (13.1 ± 5.57 and 42.8 ± 10.64) and durum wheat (18.9 ± 1.11 and 57.2 ± 0.80). The different behaviour of einkorn was probably related to its moderate β-amylase activity, and thus the low maltose content of its dough. Colour was correlated with heat damage, as einkorn breads were lighter than the others.The results show that einkorn bread undergoes lower heat damage than analogous products from durum and bread wheat, thus probably better preserving its nutritional value.     

Influence of long-term nitrogen fertilization on micronutrient density in grain of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A long-term (1999–2007) field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three nitrogen (N) fertilization rates (0, 130, and 300 kg N/ha) on micronutrient density in wheat grain and its milling fractions. At maturity, grains were harvested and fractionated into flour, shorts, and bran for micronutrient and N analysis. N fertilization increased iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) density in wheat grain compared to the control. Increase of N application rate from 130 to 300 kg N/ha, however, did not further increase the three micronutrient densities in grain. Micronutrient concentrations were usually highest in the bran and lowest in the flour. High N application increased Zn and Cu densities in all three milling fractions and increased Fe concentration in shorts and bran but not in flour. N application did not affect the manganese (Mn) concentration in grain. N fertilization changed the proportions of Fe and Cu in flour and bran but did not affect the distribution of Zn. Because N fertilization increased micronutrient accumulation in wheat grain, proper management of N fertilization has the potential to enhance the nutritional quality of this important food.     

一粒小麦种质遗传多样性分析

为了从野生一粒小麦中发掘有用基因,随机选取33个普通小麦EST-SSR标记和定位于小麦A基因组的41个普通小麦基因组DNA-SSR标记,对35份一粒小麦、3份四倍体小麦和1份普通小麦进行了遗传多样性分析。结果表明,在扩增这些标记位点的引物中有45对在一粒小麦上有扩增产物,其中33对检测出位点多态性,而且基因组DNA-SSR标记的多态检测率明显高于EST-SSR标记多态检测率。这些多态位点包括211个等位位点,平均每个位点有6.03个等位变异。利用PHYLIP分析软件按UPGMA方法对这些一粒小麦种质进行了聚类分析,以遗传距离0.5为界,可以将其分为7种类型。这种聚类关系与对应种质的白粉病抗性呈现出一定的相关性,因此根据聚类结果可以在一定程度上推测相关种质所携带的抗白粉病基因的起源和变异。对一粒小麦与野生二粒小麦种质的遗传距离的分析结果表明,不同来源的二粒小麦的A基因组可能有不同的起源。     

The Null-4A Allele at the Waxy Locus in Durum Wheat affects Pasta Cooking Quality

Granule-bound starch synthase, also known as the waxy protein catalyses the synthesis of amylose in wheat endosperm starch. In durum wheats, the genes encoding GBSS are present at the two Wx loci on chromosome 7A and 4A (a segment of 7B that has been translocated). Several null Wx-B1 (missing GBSS protein from chromosome 4A) durum lines were produced from crosses with null-4A bread wheats backcrossed to durum wheats. Semolina milled from 4 normal and 7 null-4A durum wheat lines grown over two seasons (1999 and 2000) in South Australia were analysed for amylose content, starch pasting properties as measured by the Rapid Viscoanalyzer (RVA), swelling power and starch damage, protein content and electrophoretic protein analysis. Spaghetti was prepared with a micro-scale extruder and the cooked pasta evaluated for cooking loss, firmness, stickiness and water absorption. The null-4A lines had significantly lower (ca. 5%) amylose content, higher starch peak viscosities and semolina swelling power. The pasta derived from the null-4A lines had lower cooking loss and in 1999 was more adhesive than the non-waxy lines. Cooking loss was correlated with amylose content, peak starch viscosity, swelling power of semolina and cooked pasta adhesiveness. Semolina swelling power was highly correlated with RVA peak viscosity. Waxy durum wheats appear to have an advantage over the normal types in terms of lower cooking loss, widely used as an indicator of pasta cooking quality.     

碳氮供给对小麦离体穗培养粒重、微量元素及蛋白质含量的影响

为了解碳氮供给与小麦粒重、Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu等微量元素以及蛋白质含量的关系,在离体穗培养条件下研究了灌浆初期和灌浆中期不同浓度C(蔗糖)、N(硝酸铵)供给对小麦粒重、微量元素(Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu)和蛋白质含量的影响.结果表明,随着培养基糖浓度的增大,粒重和Fe、Mn含量都表现为先升高后降低的趋势,在4%糖浓度时,均达到最高值;籽粒Zn、Cu和蛋白质含量表现为随糖浓度增大而持续降低.随着培养基N浓度的增加,粒重和Fe、Zn、Mn、Cu含量多表现为先升高后降低的趋势,且多在N浓度为0.07%时达到最高值,尤以灌浆中期开始的培养表现明显;籽粒蛋白质含量表现为随N浓度增大而持续增加.由此可见,外源C、N供给对粒重、微量元素和蛋白质含量有明显的调控效应.一定的糖供给可同时提高粒重和Fe、Mn含量,一定的N供给可同时提高粒重及微量元素和蛋白质含量.     

Phenolics in the bran of waxy wheat and triticale lines

The present study was designed to determine total phenolic acid contents (TPC) and compositions of bran from newly developed near-isogenic waxy wheat and triticale translocation lines. Two waxy wheat sets, Svevo (durum) and N11 (bread wheat), consisting of partial and waxy null lines and four sets of triticales (GDS7, Trim, Rhino and Rigel) having translocations at 1A.1D and 1R.1D with high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) 5 + 10 and 2 + 12 were investigated. Similar to non-waxy wheat, ferulic acid was the predominant phenolic acid found in waxy wheats analyzed. Two other major phenolics include p-coumaric and vanillic acids followed by lesser quantities of syringic acid. Waxy lines had higher TPC than the parent line in the N11 set, whereas the Svevo set showed the opposite trend. TPC of waxy bread wheats were correlated with amylose fractions in which the order was complete waxy < double waxy nulls < single waxy nulls. Lines with HMW-GS 2 + 12 have lower TPC than other lines in each group of triticales, except the Trim set. TPC was negatively correlated (r = −0.41; p > 0.1) with bran yields in triticale lines studied, indicating that variation in phenolics was not only due to bran yields but also to genotypic differences.     

Genotypic variations in zinc accumulation and bioaccessibility among wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under two different field conditions

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for human health. Breeding zinc-rich crop genotypes is considered as potential solution to Zn deficiency. In this study, variation of Zn uptake, accumulation, distribution and the estimated bioaccessibility among 30 wheat genotypes across two locations were investigated with field experiments. A significant difference in grain Zn concentrations occurred across the two locations, with the corresponding values of 55.24 and 57.14 mg kg⁻¹. Grain Zn concentration was significantly and positively correlated with grain Mn concentration (0.698**, 0.617** for two locations). The estimated grain Zn bioaccessibility also showed a significant difference, a trend similar to grain Zn concentrations but with lower values (13.87 and 13.49 mg Zn d⁻¹ for two locations). These results indicate that the interaction of locations * genotypes may play an important role in grain Zn concentrations and Zn bioaccessibility.     

Tocols stability during bread,water biscuit and pasta processing from wheat flours

The evolution of tocol content was investigated during the manufacture of bread, water biscuit and pasta from refined flours of einkorn wheat, bread wheat and, for pasta only, durum wheat semolina.     

Path analysis of genotype × environment interactions in rainfed durum wheat

This study was investigated to analyze genotype × environment (GE) interactions for grain yield and its components and to investigate the mechanism by which the stability of grain yield is achieved in rainfed durum wheat. Twenty-four durum wheat genotypes (breeding lines, old, and new varieties) along with one old bread wheat cultivar were tested in 21 diversified rainfed environments during 2010–2013 cropping seasons. The data were analyzed by path analysis model which is composed of a main effect and four multiplicative effects. The flowering time (X1), maturity time (X2), plant height (X3), and 1000-kernel weight (X4) were assumed to be sequential characters for the development of grain yield productivity (Y) in rainfed durum wheat. A high relationship (p < .01) between observed and expected yields of genotypes in different environments confirmed the validity of the causal scheme adopted in the analysis. Comparison the estimates of components provided information on the degree of response of each genotype to the environmental stresses. The results indicated that higher grain yields are associated with higher kernel weight (v₄), which resulted from early flowering (v₁), and so more emphasis should be given to these traits for the improvement of yield potential in durum wheat under highland rainfed conditions of Iran. Positive correlation of stability variance (σ²) with v₄ component indicated that the kernel weight is the main contributor towards GE interaction for grain yield in rainfed durum wheat.     

叶面喷施硒酸钠对不同小麦品种(系)籽粒硒及其他矿质元素含量的影响

为了解叶面喷施硒酸钠对不同小麦品种(系)籽粒硒含量及其他矿质元素的影响,对114个不同小麦品种(系)进行叶面喷施硒酸钠,试验设4个梯度,分别为0 mg·kg~(-1)(CK)、100 mg·kg~(-1)(Se10)、200mg·kg~(-1)(Se20)、300mg·kg~(-1)(Se30),利用离子发射光谱-原子吸收仪测定了籽粒硒、钙、镁、铜、铁、锰、锌、硫含量。结果表明,叶面喷施硒酸钠可以提高小麦籽粒的硒含量,增幅因品种(系)而异;CK、Se10、Se20及Se30处理下,籽粒的总硒含量分别为1.54、5.70、10.01和13.10mg·kg~(-1)。籽粒中不同矿物质元素对叶面喷施硒酸钠的响应不同;籽粒中硒与其他元素的积累既有协同也有拮抗作用,因元素种类、小麦品种(系)和施硒量而异。总体而言,高浓度硒处理降低了籽粒中钙、镁、铜、铁、锰和硫的含量,但提高了锌的含量。