Correlations between a Friabilin Content Indicator and Selected Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Wheat Grain for Processing Suitability Assessment

Abstract

A new approach to determining the friabilin content of wheat grain was proposed. Electropherograms were taken, and the intensity of the friabilin bands was compared in the analyzed wheat cultivars and the cv. Chinese Spring. The friabilin content indicator was calculated in the grain of 17 common wheat cultivars, which differed mostly in their crude protein content and hardness index (HI). The basic properties of the kernels were measured in each wheat cultivar, and the correlations between the measured parameters and the friabilin content indicator were determined. In the analyzed wheat cultivars, the friabilin content indicator ranged from around 0.21 to around 0.77. This indicator was significantly correlated with the kernel length, thickness, mass, vitreousness, HI, and rupture force. The strongest correlation was observed between the friabilin content indicator and kernel length. An increase in the mean kernel length from around 5.4 mm to around 8.0 mm decreased the friabilin content indicator by approximately 51%. After the mean kernel length had been calculated in a given wheat cultivar, a certain value of the friabilin content indicator could be ascribed to this cultivar, and the energy consumption during grain grinding or milling could be partly predicted. In the group of analyzed wheat cultivars, the process of grain grinding would be the most energy-intensive in the cvs. Ceres, SMH200, and SMH214 and the least energy-intensive in the cvs. Chinese Spring, Julius, and Askalon.