Effect of germination and subsequent oven-drying on folate content in different wheat and rye cultivars

Cereals are recognised as an important food source of folate, and germinated cereals are reported to contain even more folate. This study examined the effects of germination and oven-drying on folate content in different wheat and rye cultivars. The native folate content in four wheat cultivars ranged from 23 to 33 μg/100 g dry matter (DM) and that in six rye cultivars from 31 to 39 μg/100 g DM. Mean folate content in rye was 25% higher than in wheat. Germination of both cereals resulted in a 4- to 6-fold increase in folate content, depending on cultivar and duration of germination. The highest folate content in both cereals was found after 96 h of germination and was 181 μg/100 g DM for cv. Kaskelott (rye) and 155 μg/100 g DM for cv. Kosack (wheat). Germination increased the amount of 5-CH₃–H₄folate in both cereals from 45 to 75%. Oven-drying of germinated wheat grains (for 48 and 72 h) at 50 °C did not affect the folate content. In conclusion, germination increases the folate content in wheat and rye cultivars, while subsequent oven-drying does not affect the folate content. Germination can therefore be recommended for producing bakery ingredients with increased folate content.     

Response of spring planted barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to mesotrione

There is little information on the response of spring planted barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to mesotrione under Ontario environmental conditions. Four field studies were conducted in Ontario, Canada over a two-year period (2008 and 2009) to evaluate the sensitivity of spring planted cereals (barley, oats, and wheat) to pre-emergence (PRE) and post-emergence (POST) applications of mesotrione at 50, 100, and 150 g ai ha⁻¹. Mesotrione applied PRE caused minimal visible injury at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after emergence (DAE) and had no adverse effect on plant height or yield of barley, oats and wheat. Mesotrione applied POST caused as much 11% injury and reduced plant height as much as 6% in spring planted cereals. Injury was higher in wheat compared to barley or oats. Mesotrione applied POST had no adverse effect on the yield of barley or oats but decreased the yield of wheat as much as 14%. Based on this study, mesotrione applied PRE at 50, 100 or 150 g ai ha⁻¹ can be safely used in spring planted barley, oats, and wheat. Mesotrione applied POST at the proposed dose of 50, 100 or 150 g ai ha⁻¹ can also be safely used in spring planted barley and oats. However, mesotrione applied POST results in unacceptable injury in spring planted wheat.     

Control of volunteer cereals with post-emergence herbicides in maize (Zea mays L.)

Volunteer winter cereals are found sporadically in maize (Zea mays L.) fields across southern Ontario. Seven field trials were conducted over a two-year period (2006 and 2007) at four locations to determine the efficacy of five acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides for the control of volunteer cereals applied at two post-emergence application timings (2–4 and 4–7 maize leaf tips). The volunteer cereals were a hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (‘Hyland AC Morley’), soft red winter wheat (‘Pioneer 25R47’), soft white winter wheat (‘Pioneer 25W41’), and a autumn rye (Secale cereale L.) (‘FR’) cultivar. Volunteer cereal competition in maize resulted in a yield reduction of up to 44%. Foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron, nicosulfuron/rimsulfuron provided greater than 70% control of the volunteer cereals at 56 days after treatment (DAT), while primisulfuron and rimsulfuron provided greater than 60% control. Volunteer cereal control with early and late application was greater than 82 and 61%, respectively. Hard red winter wheat was the most sensitive to the ALS-inhibiting herbicides with control of 84–93%. Soft red and soft white winter wheat cultivars were intermediate in sensitivity with control of 76–87%, while autumn rye was the least sensitive with control of at 56–71% control at 56 DAT. Maize yields were improved when volunteer cereals were controlled with the use of herbicides compared to the weedy control, but were lower than the weed-free control. Early herbicide application resulted in improved control of volunteer cereals and higher maize yield.     

Phytate Reduction in Whole Grains of Wheat,Rye, Barley and Oats after Hydrothermal Treatment

Whole grains of different cereals have traditionally been prepared with water and heat prior to dehulling, but knowledge of the effect on nutritional properties is limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate if phytate reduction occurred during hydrothermal treatment of whole grains. Wheat, rye, hulled and dehulled barley, hulled oats and naked oats were incubated with either water or acetate buffer (pH 4·8) at 55 °C for 24 h with the exception of oats, which were incubated at 37 °C. Phytate in wheat, rye and barley was reduced by 46–77% when water was used and by 84–99% when acetate buffer was used. The phytate reduction in oats was considerably less, 8–26%, but, after grinding and soaking, phytate was reduced by 72–77% in dehulled oats and by 88–94% in naked oats. Citric acid and citrate buffer was used for pH adjustment in some experiments, and their use resulted in less phytate reduction than when acetate and lactic acid were used. Wet-steeping of naked oats and naked barley in water at 53–57 °C for 20–30 min reduced the bacterial counts by 99·97%, and the addition of acid prevented bacterial growth during the incubations. It was concluded that cereals with reduced phytate content and good hygienic quality can be developed and produced using hydrothermal treatment of whole grains.     

Detection of the lunasin peptide in oats (Avena sativa L)

We report the first discovery of lunasin in oats (Avena sativa L). Lunasin is a novel cancer preventive, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-reducing peptide originally isolated from soy and later found in cereals (barley, rye, wheat, triticale). Lunasin was detected in oats using LC–MS/MS analysis. The chromatograms and mass spectra of lunasin isolated from five oat genotypes were compared with those of the synthetic lunasin peptide. We measured the lunasin content in harvests of two years and found that all tested oat genotypes contained the lunasin peptide. However, we observed genotype-related fluctuations in the lunasin content. Notably, the middle early oat variety ‘Ivory’ contained the highest and the most stable lunasin level at 0.197 ± 0.01 mg per g of grain in year 2010 and 0.195 ± 0.009 mg per g of grain in 2011. We also characterized the selected oat genotypes by measuring the contents of protein, β-glucans, fat, starch and moisture in the grains. However, we did not find correlation between lunasin and protein, and β-glucan content. Lunasin isolated from oat showed similar to the synthetic lunasin antioxidant effects. The detection of lunasin complements a list of bioactive compounds present in oats and strengthens recommendations to use oat products.     

Suitability of Organic Potatoes for Industrial Processing: Effect of Agronomical Measures on Selected Quality Parameters at Harvest and after Storage

Three factorial field experiments were conducted in two consecutive years (2003 and 2004) on two sites in order to examine the impact of preceding crop, pre-sprouting, N and K fertilization and cultivar on quality attributes of organically grown potatoes destined for processing into French fries or crisps. Tuber dry matter (DM) concentration, glucose and fructose concentrations, as well as the colour of crisps and the quality score of French fries, were assessed at harvest and after a 4-month storage period. Results suggest that tubers from organic potato cropping may be expected to have sufficiently high tuber DM concentrations (>19%) for processing into French fries without impairing the texture of the fries when concentrations exceed 23%. DM concentrations of tubers for crips (cv. Marlen) fell short of the required minimum of 22% when a combined N and K fertilizer was applied. The tuber DM concentration was significantly lower following peas than following a legume-grass/clover ley or cereals (oats or winter wheat), but only in one of two seasons. Pre-sprouting increased tuber DM concentration considerably, especially in the growing season with a high incidence of Phytophthora infestans (+1.2% absolute increase). Tuber DM concentration was significantly higher after storage in two of three experiments (+0.4 and 0.5% absolute increase). Cultivars belonging to the very early and early maturity type showed the largest relative increase in reducing sugars concentrations due to storage, ranging between 300 and 1,100%. The medium-early cv. Agria and medium-late cv. Marena proved to be best suited for processing into French fries under conditions of organic farming, as only minor deviations from the highest quality standards were established at harvest (quality index at 4.3 and 4.1, respectively). A consistently high crisp quality was achieved by the medium-early cv. Marlen, with L-values of 70.8 and 66.7 at harvest and after storage, respectively. Overall, results show that the quality variables were mainly affected by cultivar, season, storage and their interaction. The effect of agronomical measures, such as fertilization, preceding crop and pre-sprouting of seed-tubers, was rather small and their effect on internal tuber quality and quality of fried products may hardly be predictable. The quality standards for tuber raw stock can be accomplished best when adequate cultivars are chosen.     

Agronomic and quality characteristics of triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) with HMW glutenin subunits 5+10

Sets of triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) lines derived from the cv. Presto with HMW glutenin allele Glu-D1d (subunits 5+10) translocated from bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) chromosome 1D to chromosome 1R were evaluated for agronomic and grain quality characteristics in 2002–2005. Two different translocation types were used: (a) single translocation 1R.1D₅₊₁₀-2 where the long arm of 1R carries the wheat segment from 1DL with the Glu-D1d replacing a secalin locus Sec-3, (b) double translocation Valdy where the long arm of 1R has the translocation 1R.1D₅₊₁₀-2 and the short arm has a segment from 1DS carrying wheat loci Gli-D1 and Glu-D3. The presence of Glu-D1d was determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE-ISTA) and DNA markers. The tested lines of triticale were compared with the check triticale cv. Presto and with wheat cultivars of different bread making quality (E-C quality classes). Single translocation 1R.1D₅₊₁₀-2 reduced grain yield by 16% and Valdy translocation by 24% as compared with cv. Presto. The Valdy translocation had substantially shortened spike length and reduced specific weight in comparison with check cv. Presto. Wet gluten content (according to the Perten method) was 12% in both translocation types, 8% in check Presto and on average 24% in wheat. Translocations increased the Zeleny sedimentation value (Valdy — 27 ml, 1R.1D₅₊₁₀-2 – 25 ml, cv. Presto — 23 ml). Triticale had a very low Hagberg falling number (FN) of 62–70 s without significant differences, while wheat had on average 301 s. The translocations did not significantly increase loaf volume; however, they improved loaf shape (height/width ratio): Valdy — 0.61, 1R.1D₅₊₁₀-2 – 0.56, cv. Presto 0.44, wheat on average 0.70. The dough was non-sticky in Valdy, slightly sticky in 1R.1D₅₊₁₀-2 and sticky in cv. Presto. Problems with a low FN for improving bread making quality of triticale are discussed. Higher bread making quality can be influenced by appropriate combination with donors of low α-amylase activity.     

Tolerance of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to saflufenacil

Saflufenacil is a new herbicide being developed by BASF for pre-emergence application for broadleaved weed control in maize and other crops. Three field studies were conducted in Ontario, Canada over a 2-year period (2006 and 2007) to evaluate the tolerance of spring cereals (barley, oats, and wheat) to pre-emergence and post-emergence applications of saflufenacil at 50 and 100 g ai ha⁻¹. Saflufenacil pre-emergence caused minimal visible injury (1% or less) at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after emergence and had no adverse effect on plant height or yield of barley, oats, and wheat. Saflufenacil plus the surfactant Merge (1% v/v) applied post-emergence caused as much as 76, 60, 52 and 35% visible injury in spring cereals at 3, 7, 14 and 28 DAT, respectively. Injury with saflufenacil plus Merge applied post-emergence decreased over time and was generally greater as dose increased. Saflufenacil plus Merge applied post-emergence reduced plant height by as much as 16% and reduced yield of spring barley and wheat by 24 and 13%, respectively, but had no effect on the yield of spring oats. Based on these results, saflufenacil applied pre-emergence at the proposed dose can be safely used in spring planted barley, oats and wheat; however, the post-emergence application of saflufenacil results in unacceptable injury and yield loss. These results are consistent with the proposed pre-emergence use pattern for saflufenacil.     

Predicted truly absorbed protein supply to dairy cattle from hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with altered carbohydrate traits with multi-year samples

Hulless barley breeding lines varying in amylose (1–20% DM) and β-glucan content (5–10% DM) have been developed at the Crop Development Centre, Canada. The objectives of this large-scale study were to 1) determine and confirm the effect of these new hulless barley lines (zero-amylose waxy, CDC Fibar; 5%-amylose waxy, CDC Rattan; normal-amylose, CDC McGwire and high-amylose, HB08302) with altered carbohydrate traits on 1) metabolic characteristics of protein; 2) intestinal digestion of various nutrients and 3) modeling nutrient supply from these barley varieties by using NRC Dairy 2001 model and DVE/OEB system. CDC Copeland was included as a hulled barley control. Among the hulless barley lines, CDC Fibar contained the highest and CDC McGwire contained the lowest total digestible protein (TDP: 147 vs. 116 g/kg DM). HB08302 was greater (P < 0.05) in intestinal digestible protein (IDP: 40.6% RUP) but relatively lower (P < 0.05) in total digestible protein (TDP: 120 g/kg DM). Compared with hulless barley, hulled barley showed relatively lower (P < 0.05) intestinal digestible protein (38 vs. 53 g/kg DM) and total digestible protein (102 vs. 129 g/kg DM). In modeling nutrient supply from the DVE/OEB system, the results showed hulled barley was lower (P < 0.01) in true protein supplied to the small intestine (TPSI: 127 vs. 142 g/kg DM), lower in truly absorbed rumen bypassed feed protein in small intestine (ABCP^DVE: 43 vs. 58 g/kg DM), lower in truly absorbed protein in the small intestine (DVE: 95 vs. 111 g/kg DM), and lower in degraded protein balance (OEB^DVE: −39 vs. −23 g/kg DM) than the hulless barley lines but greater (P < 0.01) in undigested inorganic matter (9 g/kg DM). From NRC Dairy 2001 model, CDC Fibar was greater (P < 0.05) in degraded protein balance (OEB^NRC: −30 g/kg DM) and metabolizable protein (MP: 118 g/kg DM) than the other hulless barley lines, while hulled barley was relatively lower (P < 0.01) in total metabolizable protein (MP: 83 vs. 105 g/kg DM). Our correlation results suggested that TDP was negatively correlated to amylose (r = −0.85, P < 0.001) but positively correlated to β-glucan level (r = 0.74, P < 0.001) in hulless barley cultivars. The DVE and OEB^DVE as well as MP were negatively correlated (P < 0.05) to amylose level but positively correlated to β-glucan level (P < 0.05). In conclusion, altered carbohydrate traits in the hulless barley varieties have the potential to increase intestinal nutrient availability to ruminants and significantly improved the truly absorbed protein supply to dairy cattle compared to hulled barley. Hulless barley with lower amylose and higher β-glucan level could provide greater (P < 0.05) truly digested protein in the small intestine, better synchronized available energy and N and increase metabolizable protein supply to ruminants.     

Ear structure and the resistance of cereals to aphids

In 1977 and 1978 in the field the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae F. (Hemiptera:Aphididae) was a pest on winter wheat (cv. Maris Huntsman), but was rare on winter barley (cv. Maris Otter). The results of laboratory experiments can only partly account for this observation. Alates showed no preference between leaves of wheat and barley, flag leaves of wheat and ears of barley, or ears of wheat and barley, the developmental stages available for colonization in the field. Developmental time, teneral weight, reproductive rate and offspring size of apterae were similar when reared on ears of wheat and barley. However, the proportion that developed into alatae and adult mortality were significantly higher on barley. That aphids fed on the rachis of wheat and the glumes of barley was attributed to differences in the ear structure of the two cereals. The possible role of plant structure in determining the resistance of cereals to aphids in the field is discussed.     

Effect of temperature variation during grain filling on wheat gluten resistance

The objective was to investigate effects of natural variation in temperature during grain filling on wheat (Triticum aestivum L) gluten quality. Seventeen field trials with four different varieties were conducted during the years 2005–2008. Temperature records were obtained from automatic weather stations located near the field trial sites. The period from heading to yellow ripeness was divided into 20 sub-phases of equal thermal time units, and a last sub-phase comprising the seven days after yellow ripeness. Partial Least Squares Regression was used to relate the temperature records of the different sub-phases to gluten quality analysed by the Kieffer Extensibility test and the SDS sedimentation test.     

Effect of short heat shocks applied during grain development on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain proteome

In the field, developing cereal grains are often exposed to short periods of very high temperature (>35 °C) that may dramatically affect grain yield and flour quality. Here we report on the effect of 4 h of heat shock (HS) at 38 °C applied on four consecutive days during the linear phase of storage compound accumulation on grain proteome of the winter bread wheat. At maturity the average single grain dry mass and the total quantity of nitrogen per grain were 25% and 16%, respectively lower for the HS treatment than for the control, resulting in a higher (+1.6% dm) grain protein concentration in HS grains. Individual albumin–globulin, gliadin and glutenin protein fractions from grains collected just before the HS and 1, 8, and 26 (ripeness maturity) days after the HS were quantified then analysed by 2-dimensional electrophoresis followed by MALDI-TOF and MS/MS identification. The quantity per grain of 10 gliadins and 3 low molecular weight glutenin subunit proteins were significantly affected by HS. Thirty-eight HS responsive albumin and globulin proteins were identified, including several enzymes involved in carbohydrate, redox, and lipid metabolisms. One protein was transitorily induced in response to HS. Detailed discussion of the expression of these proteins is presented.     

Antibodies against wheat xylanase inhibitors as tools for the selective identification of their homologues in other cereals

Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) were raised against wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) TAXI- and XIP-type xylanase inhibitors by rabbit immunization. A small contaminant in both antigens, not detected by SDS-PAGE and later identified through Western blot as a recently discovered third type of xylanase inhibitor from wheat, i.e. thaumatin-like xylanase inhibitor (TL-XI), led to the coproduction of PAbs against this protein in the rabbits. To obtain inhibitor-specific PAbs, the PAbs against TAXI, XIP and TL-XI were separated by affinity chromatography using immobilised recombinant and native xylanase inhibitors. The purified PAbs allowed the immunoquantification of each type of wheat xylanase inhibitor using Western blot and densitometric analysis against purified inhibitor standards. The method allowed the detection of the purified inhibitors at the 20 ng level. As the PAbs against the wheat xylanase inhibitors cross-reacted with their homologous targets from other cereals, immunoprobing allowed identification of XIP homologues in oats (Avena sativa L.) and TL-XI homologues in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and rye (Secale cereale L.).     

Avenanthramide concentrations and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:hydroxyanthranilate N-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase activities in developing oats

Avenanthramides are unique components of oats (Avena sativa L.) that are described as phytoalexins and that have potential health promoting properties. The objectives of this study were to examine the avenanthramide contents and the activity of the avenanthramide biosynthetic enzyme hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:hydroxyanthranilate N-hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HHT) in spikelets and leaves of developing field-grown oats and to examine the presence of avenanthramides in unelicited seedling leaves of oats raised in a growth chamber. Avenanthramides were evident in spikelets of field-grown plants within 3–5 days after heading, and they generally increased in concentration throughout maturation. HHT activity was not detected until 21–22 days after heading, but the activity increased with age in most cultivars. In leaves, avenanthramides were evident before heading and generally increased in concentration until about 15 days after heading. At maturity, the concentrations of avenanthramides in spikelets were generally higher than in leaves. Seedling leaves from controlled environments that were not exposed to elicitors had low concentrations of avenanthramides at 7 days after planting, which increased in one cultivar, but not in another, over the next 14 days. These results indicate that unelicited seedling leaves contain avenanthramides, i.e. that avenanthramides are constitutively present in both grains and leaves.     

Late-maturity α-amylase: Low falling number in wheat in the absence of preharvest sprouting

Late maturity α-amylase (LMA), or prematurity α-amylase (PMAA) as it has been termed in the UK, in wheat involves the untimely synthesis of high pI α-amylase during the middle to later stages of grain development and ripening. The enzyme activity is retained in the grain at harvest ripeness, resulting in low falling number and failure to meet receival standards and customer specifications. This phenomenon, which is restricted to specific genotypes, appears to be controlled by 1 or 2 recessive genes acting alone or in combination and in most cases appears to be triggered by a temperature shock. This shock is only effective if it occurs during a window of sensitivity around 25–30 days postanthesis. Expression of LMA is reduced in the presence of dwarfing genes such as Rht1, Rht2 and Rht3 that confer insensitivity to gibberellin. Screening technologies, including molecular markers and high pI-specific ELISA, have been developed to assist wheat breeders and will be required to meet new challenges posed by novel germplasm such as primary synthetic wheats.     

Wheat ferritins: Improving the iron content of the wheat grain

The characterization of the full complement of wheat ferritins show that the modern hexaploid wheat genome contains two ferritin genes, TaFer1 and TaFer2, each represented by three homeoalleles and placed on chromosome 5 and 4, respectively. The two genes are differentially regulated and expressed. The TaFer1 genes are, except in the endosperm, the most abundantly expressed and regulated by iron and abscisic acid status. The promoter of TaFer1, in contrast to TaFer2, has iron- and ABA-responsive elements, supporting the expression data. The TaFer1 and TaFer2 genes encode two isoforms, probably functional different and acting in heteropolymer structures of ferritin in cereals. Iron biofortification of the wheat grain is possible. Endosperm targeted intragenic overexpressing of the TaFer1-A gene results in a 50–85% higher iron content in the grain.     

Effects of soil compaction in the sub-humid cropping environment in Pakistan on uptake of NPK and grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum): II: Alleviation

Alleviation of soil compaction can be achieved through application of appropriate measures which will vary from soil to soil and with the socio-economic factors of the farmers. The effects of alleviation measures applied to artificially compacted soil on yield components, grain yield, dry matter and nutrient uptake by wheat was studied at the Agriculture Research Institute, Mingora, Pakistan, in two separate experiments in 2002–2003 and 2003–2004. The improvement measures included deep ploughing (DP), farmyard manure (FYM) and gypsum (GYP), and comprised a compacted control and four treatments T1 (control), T2 (DP), T3 (DP + FYM), T4 (DP + gypsum) and T5 (DP + FYM + GYP), arranged in completely randomized block design replicated four times. Improvement measures applied to compacted soil significantly decreased soil bulk density and increased total porosity. Bulk density decreased in the range of 12–15% while total porosity showed an increase of 16–23% over the control. Improvement measures significantly increased concentration and uptake of NPK in both years. Higher concentration and uptake was recorded during the second year as compared to the first year, probably as a result of higher seasonal rainfall in the second year. The uptake of NPK by wheat plants increased in the range of 43–51, 25–94 and 11–28%, respectively, over plants in the compacted control. Similarly, improvement treatments increased grains spike⁻¹, thousand grain weight, dry matter accumulation and grain yield in the range of 14–21, 5–14, 3–10 and 21–37% respectively, over the control. This work demonstrates that it is possible to overcome the deleterious effects of compaction induced by wheeled traffic, and improve crop yields and nutrient uptake in intensive cropping systems in rainfed environments in Pakistan and similar environments.     

Effect of temperature on lutein esterification and lutein stability in wheat grain

The creamy colour of many wheat-based end-products is conferred by endogenous lutein. During post-harvest storage of grain, free lutein may be converted in part to potentially more stable lutein mono- and di-fatty acid esters. This study investigates the synthesis of lutein esters and stability of free lutein and lutein esters over a wide range of temperatures in grain of a high lutein bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L. line DM5685*B12 and a durum, Triticum durum L cv Kamilaroi. Disappearance of free lutein and lutein esterification followed first order reaction rates. The maximum rate of lutein esterification was at ≈80 °C, however, the optimum temperature for maximum synthesis with minimum degradation was between 30 °C and 60 °C. No ester synthesis was observed at temperatures higher than 120 °C. The data are consistent with an enzyme participating in the esterification reaction. Lutein esters were found to be more stable than free lutein with a longer shelf life at 60 °C whilst at temperatures ≤40 °C, lutein degradation was minimal. This study provides new information on lutein ester formation and lutein stability that should be useful to grain handlers and food manufacturers seeking to optimise retention of lutein for the benefit of consumers.     

Reducing the incidence of allergy and intolerance to cereals

This paper reviews studies on allergy, intolerance and sensitivity to cereals, especially to wheat, barley, rye, maize, rice and oats with regard to reducing their incidences. Prevalence of allergy to cereals is generally low; prevalence of other cereal-related diseases are highest for wheat and lowest for oats. Compared to the other cereals, wheat (and its components wheat starch and vital gluten) are most abundantly applied in a broad range of food products world-wide, which justifies the major focus of this review on wheat. Current knowledge on diagnosis of the cereal-related diseases and on detection and characterization of the relevant proteins is discussed in the context of the development of prevention strategies. Aiming at their design and implementation, such strategies require building of knowledge frameworks at the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention levels. In this regard, selection and breeding of low-allergenic/low-intoleragenic crop varieties, application of processing and technological approaches, and the introduction of alternative safe cereal crops is discussed. Sustainable reduction of immune-related diseases in general (including cereal allergies and intolerances) is discussed with regard to eating habits and lifestyle factors, human genetic and physiological characteristics, and the role of the intestinal micro-flora.