Genetic and Agronomic Effects on Semolina Milling Value of Durum Wheat

Abstract

The performance of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) during primary processing is an important commercial characteristic, hut little is known about the influence of varietal and agronomic factors on semolina milling value. This study was conducted to determine whether genetic and agronomic factors affect the semolina value of durum wheat, specifically the endosperdhran ratio, endosperm friability, and yields of finished products. Nine cultivars of durum wheat were grown in 1993 and 1994 in very large plots under different agronomic conditions, including water stress and various nitrogen applications. The wheat was milled in an experimental semolina mill (150 kg ha−1) to evaluate the respective influence of genetic and agronomic factors. Results demonstrate a considerable genetic variation in the semolina yield of durum wheat. The endosperm/bran ratio of durum wheat is largely dependent on cultivar, whereas endosperm friability is greatly influenced by ago-climatic conditions. Use of ash content as a criterion for determining semolina purity can influence the cultivar ranking because of the differences in grain ash content and of the distribution of minerals in the endosperm. It appears that the ease with which endosperm is freed in the form of semolina during milling could he a criterion for predicting semolina quality.