Determination of benzoxazinoids in Spring and Winter varieties of wheat using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

Abstract

The composition and concentration of natural products largely depend on a plant part, development stage, cultivar, and growing conditions. This study evaluated the influence of cultivars and production systems on the composition of natural products (benzoxazinoids) in wheat aerial parts. The determination of benzoxazinoids was performed by combining pressurized liquid extraction, ultra-performance liquid chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry. Six benzoxazinoids were identified and quantitated in wheat varieties. Significant differences were observed among the examined varieties. The average concentrations of total researched compounds were definitely higher in the organically produced spring wheat cultivars than in the winter ones. The content of these compounds in the same varieties grown under organic and conventional systems showed their higher content under the organic one. The main benzoxazinoids detected in wheat varieties were 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one glucoside (DIMBOA-Glc) and 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (MBOA). The richest sources of benzoxazinoids were Brawura, Łagwa, and Kandela (52.46, 34.67, and 30.14 μg/g dry weight [DW], respectively).