Buckwheat Seeds Research Articles

Effects of soaking seeds with MT and EBR on germination and seedling growth in buckwheat under salt stress

<p id="C3">Soil salinization is an important limiting factor affecting seed germination, emergence, and growth of crop seeds. It is of great significance to explore the relieving effect of exogenous hormones on buckwheat seed germination and seedling growth under salt stress. This experiment was conducted to study the effects of melatonin (MT) and 2,4-epbrassinolide (EBR) on seed germination, seedling growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, and osmotic regulation substances of buckwheat varieties Xinong 9976 under different salt concentration stress using petri dish germination and pot germination. The results showed that salt stress increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, soluble sugar content, and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, POD, CAT) activities of buckwheat seeds and seedling leaves, decreased the germination potential, germination rate, and seedling rate of buckwheat seeds, and significantly decreased the germ length, radicle length, and seedling height of buckwheat seeds. MT and EBR soaking buckwheat seeds could effectively alleviate the harm of salt stress. Compared with the control, the germination potential, germination rate, and seedling formation rate of buckwheat seeds were increased by 14.9%-33.3%, 11.5%-27.3%, and 20.0%-46.2%, respectively. It significantly increased the radicle length, embryo length, embryo fresh weight, dry weight, seedling height, seedling fresh weight, and dry weight of buckwheat seeds, and significantly increased the soluble sugar content and the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT in buckwheat seeds and seedling leaves, and decreased MDA content. In conclusion, MT and EBR soaking can promote the germination and seedling growth of buckwheat seeds under salt stress, and improve the salt resistance of buckwheat by improving the protective enzyme activity of buckwheat seeds, reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and increasing the content of osmotic regulation substances.

Cold atmospheric plasma treatment improves the γ-aminobutyric acid content of buckwheat seeds providing a new anti-hypertensive functional ingredient

Buckwheat (BW) is rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has great potential as a functional anti-hypertensive food ingredient. This study utilized cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to promote GABA accumulation in BW during germination. The effect of this approach on GABA enrichment and anti-hypertensive activity of BW along with its processing properties were investigated. The results indicated that CAP stress treatment (50 W for 40 s) of BW seeds followed by germination at 30 °C for 60 h resulted in a GABA content of 2.22 ± 0.06 mg/g, which was a 2.64-fold greater than that of pristine BW. Cracking of the seed coat, faster germination, and the activation of glutamate decarboxylase might be responsible for the GABA enrichment. Compared with pristine BW, the GABA-enriched BW powder showed a greater inhibitory effect on the angiotensin-converting enzyme, an increased degree of pre-gelatinization and elasticity when it was formed into a dough.

Exogenous Salicylic Acid Modifies Cell Wall Lignification, Total Phenolic Content, PAL-Activity in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Plants under Cadmium Chloride Impact

Salicylic acid (SA) is considered one of the most important plant signaling molecules involved in abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. Application of 0,05 mM SA enhanced plants’ tolerance to cadmium stress by modulating levels of several metabolites, including components of antioxidative defense, osmolytes, secondary metabolites, and metal-chelating compounds. Seeds of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) were presoaked in 0,05 mM SA/or distilled water for 5 h, with the following germination in a dark thermostat for 3 d. Uniform seedlings were planted into +Cd / or -Cd-containing substrate and grown for 16/8 h light/dark. It was revealed that seed pretreatment with SA alone caused a 3-5-fold decrease in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and total phenolic content compared to the control water treatment. Seed pretreatment with SA alleviated the negative impact of Cd on plant growth, PAL activity, and total phenolic content. These results indicate that salicylate treatment alleviates Cd toxicity by modifying lignin synthesis and accumulation of flavonoids in wheat and buckwheat plants. Protective effects were more pronounced for buckwheat with the studied variables' high total phenolic content.

Influence of Buckwheat Seed Fractions on Dough and Baking Performance of Wheat Bread

The study was conducted to determine the influence of buckwheat fractions (BF) on the physicochemical characteristics of wheat flour (WF), dough rheology, and bread quality parameters. Buckwheat seeds’ fractionation influenced the microstructure and molecular conformation depending on the particle size (PS). The protein content of the WF–BF improved when the medium PS was added and decreased for large and small PS. Lipids and ash increased with the increase in BF amount in all samples in comparison with the control. Dough tenacity increased with BF addition, being higher than in WF dough only when large PS were added, while samples with medium and small PS presented a lower tenacity in comparison with the control. Dough extensibility decreased significantly in all samples when BF increased, as follows: M ˃ S ˃ L. Dough viscoelastic moduli increased proportionally when adding large PS, while the addition of medium PS (5–15%) and small PS decreased it. Bread firmness, springiness, and gumminess rose proportionally with the addition level. Bread volume decreased when BF increased, and medium PS had a good influence on this parameter. Bread porosity and elasticity presented higher values than for the control bread, but these decreased when the BF amount increased. Flour and bread crust and crumb color parameters were also influenced by different fractions of BF addition.

The profile of buckwheat tannins based on widely targeted metabolome analysis and pharmacokinetic study of ellagitannin metabolite urolithin A

Buckwheat was known as enrichment of flavonoids and phenolic acids, but the tannins profile in buckwheat seeds was still unclear. Particularly, the permeability mechanism of ellagitannin metabolite urolithin A (UA) getting through blood brain barrier (BBB) and its variation in brain tissue was also unclear. Widely targeted metabolome analysis and tannins quantification were performed to evaluate the tannins profile in Tartary and common buckwheat seeds. A pharmacokinetic study of UA was carried out to evaluate the permeability and variation in brain. A Total of 543 substances were detected in Tartary buckwheat and 533 substances in common buckwheat. Four hydrolysable and six condensed tannins and gallic acid constituted all of the 11 tannins, while the ellagitannins and ellagic acid were not detected in buckwheat seeds. Gallic acid and procyanidin C1 were abundant, the gallic acid in Tartary and common buckwheat was 5.58 and 16.26 mg/kg, respectively, and procyanidin C1 was 6.18 and 3.17 mg/kg. Totally, 30 different molecules were identified between the species. UA could go through digestive system and cross BBB to enter cortex and hippocampus. This study provided deep insights into the composition of buckwheat seeds, which will irritate the application of buckwheat and UA.

Technology of yeast-free bread using gluten-free raw materials

Among food products for special dietary consumption, a special place is occupied by products developed for the category of people with diseases in which there is an intolerance to certain food components (diabetes, celiac disease, phenylketonuria, etc.). According to the World Association of Gastroenterologists (WOG-OMGE), about 1% of the world’s population suffers from celiac disease, which has an increased risk of death compared to the general population. In this regard, an analysis of the production of food products for the population suffering from celiac disease was carried out. In Ukraine, the assortment of gluten-free bakery products on the domestic market today is insufficient for the growing needs of the population with various types of food allergies and gluten enteropathy, which is why it is advisable to develop gluten-free bread technology. Different types of raw flour, grain, and oilseeds were studied and theoretical aspects for substantiation of bread technology using gluten-free raw materials were studied. The technology of bread using green buckwheat and sesame seeds was developed, and their influence on the organoleptic quality indicators of the product was investigated. On the basis of generalized expert evaluations, it was established that the organoleptic indicators of the developed bread using gluten-free raw materials are at the control level (4.4 points), and in terms of smell and taste, it exceeds the control sample. The developed yeast-free bread with the use of green buckwheat and sesame seeds can be recommended for a gluten-free diet, used in the diet of people both for dietary nutrition and for general disease prevention. The social effect of the introduction of the developed technology of yeast-free bread using gluten-free raw materials, namely green buckwheat and sesame seeds, into the production is the expansion of the range of bread products for the nutrition of the population suffering from celiac disease.

Characterization of a rutin-hydrolyzing enzyme with β-glucosidase activity from tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum) seeds

The rutin-hydrolyzing enzyme (RHEs) catalyse hydrolysis of rutin to quercetin. In this study, a RHE purified from natural tartary buckwheat flour (FtRHE) exhibited β-glucosidase activity. It was highly active on cello-oligosaccharides and p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG). FtRHE exhibited optimum β-glucosidase activity at 40 °C and pH 4.0, which was elevated by the presence of Ca2+, suggesting that Ca2+ may act as a co-factor for its activation. The Km and Vmax of FtRHE were 0.22 mM and 310.48 U/mg, respectively, when pNPG was the substrate. FtRHE retained only 6.6% activity in the presence of 1.5 M glucose, indicating that glucose acted as its inhibitor. This study demonstrates β-glucosidase activity of a RHE from natural tartary buckwheat flour and provides better understanding of its role in glycoside metabolism, establishing a basis for further investigations.

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Information on the genes determining grain shape and related traits is important for breeding Fagopyrum species. A seed shape similar to F. esculentum (common buckwheat) is considered desirable, as the current processing technology has been developed to suit common buckwheat seeds. F. tataricum Gaertn. has high nutritional value but needs improvement in the seed shape. Interspecific hybridization is a promising method to obtain seeds similar to common buckwheat, but a strong postzygotic barrier between F. tataricum and F. esculentum makes genetic exchange impossible. F. cymosum, which has a seed shape similar to F. esculentum, provides an additional source of the genetic polymorphisms needed to improve other buckwheat species. In this issue, the effects of interspecific hybridization in the genus Fagopyrum on seed traits are discussed. The photographs show the seed types of F. tataricum and F. cymosum: rice type (top left), round type (top right), notched type (bottom left) of F. tataricum, and F. cymosum (bottom right) (This issue, p. 232–237).

Anti Hemolytic Activity of Rutin incase of Phenyl Hydrazine induced Hemolysis

The important role of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) is to transport oxygen to the tissues from the lungs to provide oxygen to all cells. During circulation, RBCs are continuously exposed to both endogenous and exogenous sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can injury the RBC and ruin its function. The imbalance between cellular production of reactive oxygen species and the counteracting antioxidant mechanism leads to Oxidative stress. Flavonoids are low molecular weight secondary polyphenolic metabolites present in plants characterized by their flavan nucleus. Rutin is a flavonol plentiful in a variety of commonly ingested foods. The term ‘Rutin’ came from a plant known as Ruta graveolens that also encompasses Rutin. Teas and fruits have high concentration of Rutin. Buckwheat seeds (Fagopyrum esculantum) are the richest source. Rutin protects the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals with its antioxidant properties. It helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body and increase elasticity of the arterial walls, which in turn promotes greater blood flow. The present investigation was aimed to assess the antihemolytic activity of the Rutin using phenyl hydrazine as hemolysin. This study uses RBC as model system to access the anti-hemolytic activity of Rutin using phenyl hydrazine as hemolysin. Phenyl hydrazine which was used previously in treating sickle cell anemia was used in this investigation as hemolysin. The result of the study shows that the addition of phenyl hydrazine [1-500 μg/ml] to the RBC suspension caused significant (P&lt;0.01) rise in hemolysis. The cell pellet in the bottom of the tubes reduced to reddish colored supernatant indicating hemolysis. The effect was concentration dependent. The present investigation clearly indicates that phenyl hydrazine causes hemolysis and toxicity to RBC. The concurrent addition of phenyl hydrazine along with the test compound Rutin (100-500 μg/ml) to the RBC suspension significantly (P&lt;0.01) reduced phenyl hydrazine induced hemolysis in a concentration dependent manner. The protective effect of Rutin on the hemolysis induced by phenyl hydrazine clearly shows it acts as anti-hemolytic agent. This finding was compared with the standard ascorbic acid. IC50 value of Rutin and ascorbic acid were 160.86 and 163.5 μg/ml respectively. The Rutin extract showed maximum inhibitory effect 69.8%.at 500μg/ml. This shows that Rutin can be effectively used as anti-hemolytic agent.

Effect of Germination on Alfalfa and Buckwheat: Phytochemical Profiling by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, Bioactive Compounds, and In-Vitro Studies of Their Diabetes and Obesity-Related Functions.

Germination can be used to enhance nutritional value and health functions of edible seeds. Sprouts are considered healthier than raw seeds because they are richer in the basic nutritional components (carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals) and also contain more bioactive components responsible for various biological activities. The effect of sprouting on the antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity activities, and metabolite profiles of alfalfa and buckwheat seeds was investigated in this study. DPPH radical scavenging activity was highest in buckwheat sprouts followed by alfalfa sprout, buckwheat seed, and alfalfa seed, respectively. ABTS radical scavenging potential showed a similar trend as DPPH with buckwheat sprouts exerting the best scavenging capacity. Alfalfa sprout and buckwheat seed exhibited the highest percentage inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase (96.6 and 96.5%, respectively). Alfalfa sprouts demonstrated the strongest inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase (57.12%) while alfalfa seed showed the highest advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation inhibitory potential (28.7%). Moreover, thirty-three (33) metabolites were characterized in the seed and sprout samples. Sprouts demonstrated a higher level of metabolites compared to raw seeds. Hence, depending on the type of seed and the target activity, sprouting is a good technique to alter the secondary metabolites and functional properties of edible seeds.

Morpho-anatomical and physiological-biochemical parameters of buckwheat seeds in connection with selection for high and high-quality yield

The article presents the results of many years of research on the morpho-anatomical and physiological-biochemical parameters of seeds in buckwheat cultivars of different breeding periods. It is noted that as a result of selection, the increase in crop yield is achieved both by enlarging the seeds and increasing their number. The correlation coefficient between the yield and the weight of 1000 seeds was +0.89, and with the number of seeds it was + 0.78. In modern varieties, compared with local populations, the geometric parameters of the elements of the seed anatomy increased on average: the cross-sectional area - by 19.6%, the area of the endosperm-by 16.3%, the area of the embryo – by 24.5%. The embryo became both longer (by an average of 14.7%) and thicker – by an average of 11.4%. The increase in the amount of spare substances and the capacity of the seed embryo in modern varieties made it possible for plants to develop more steadily and efficiently at the initial stages of organogenesis. The conclusion is made about the urgent need to adjust the current direction in the selection of buckwheat in the direction of optimizing the ratio between grain size, nutritional and technological value in seeds, taking into account the physiological role of the trait in the adaptive and productive process of plants. A promising variety of buckwheat should be characterized by the following parameters of grain quality and processability: weight of 1000 seeds – 30-31 g; film content – 19-20%; yield of cereals – 75%; protein content – 15.0-15.5%; content of heavy metals-below the permissible norm. It is quite possible to achieve these parameters by selection, since the gene pool of the crop is characterized by a large polymorphism of grain quality indicators.

Comparative metabolomics study of Tartary (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn) and common (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) buckwheat seeds

Tartary buckwheat has higher health-promoting value than common buckwheat. However, the related metabolites information except flavonoids is largely deficient. Here, we compared the seed metabolomes of the two species using a UHPLC-QqQ-MS-based metabolomics approach. In total, 722 metabolites were obtained, of which 84 and 78 were identified as the key active ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicines and the active pharmaceutical ingredients for six major diseases-resistance, respectively. Comparative analysis showed there were obviously difference in metabolic profiles between the two buckwheat species, and further found 61 flavonoids and 94 non-flavonoids metabolites displayed significantly higher contents (≥2 fold) in Tartary buckwheat than in common buckwheat. Our results suggest that Tartary and common buckwheat seeds are rich in metabolites beneficial to human health, and non-flavonoids metabolites also contributed to Tartary buckwheat's higher health-promoting value than common buckwheat. This study provides valuable information for the development of new functional foods of Tartary buckwheat.

Chemical Composition of Buckwheat Groats from Various Russian Manufacturers

Buckwheat groats is produced from buckwheat seeds. Buckwheat is characterized by a unique chemical composition, which determines its highest nutritional value and functional properties. The indicators of the chemical composition of buckwheat are of great importance in the production of plant-based fermented alternative dairy products. The chemical composition is characterized by a wide range of fluctuations in the quantitative content of components depending on the climatic zone of buckwheat growth and weather conditions during the vegetative period. The objects of this study were the samples of the top-grade quick-cooking unground buckwheat groats of the “Mistral”, “Agro-Alliance”, “Uvelka”, “Altaiskaya skazka” brands. This article shows that the considerable differences were observed in the content of fat, protein, and starch in buckwheat. It was found that in the unground buckwheat produced by various Russian manufacturers in the spring of 2021 an average protein content was 18.67%, fat–4.6%, carbohydrates–62.21%, and the content of starch was on average 49.78%. These indicators of the chemical composition of unground buckwheat groats should be considered when developing fermented alternative buckwheat-based dairy products.

荞麦籽粒离散元模型构建及参数标定

In view of the lack of seeds contact parameters that can be used as a reference for the design of key mechanical components such as buckwheat planting, harvesting, and processing, this study combines simulation optimization design experiments and physical experiments to calibrate the parameters of simulated discrete element of buckwheat seeds. The non-spherical particle model of buckwheat seeds was established using the automatic filling method, and the simulation accumulating test and physical accumulating test were carried out using the bottomless conical cylinder lifting method; the repose angle of buckwheat seeds was taken as the response value, and the initial parameters were screened for significance based on the Plackett-Burman test; and a second-order regression model of the error value for the repose angle and the significance parameter was established based on the steepest climb test and Box-Behnken test. On this basis, the minimum error value of the repose angle was used as the goal to optimize the significance parameter, the optimal combination of contact parameters was obtained, and parameter validation tests were carried out. The significance screening test showed that the buckwheat-buckwheat static friction coefficient, the buckwheat-stainless steel rolling friction coefficient, and the buckwheat-stainless steel restitution coefficient had significant effects on the repose angle of buckwheat (P&lt;0.05). The optimization test showed that the buckwheat-buckwheat static friction coefficient was 0.510, the buckwheat-stainless steel rolling friction coefficient was 0.053, and the buckwheat-stainless steel restitution coefficient was 0.492. The validation test showed that the repose angle of buckwheat seeds under such parameter was 25.39°, and the error with the repose angle of the physical test was 0.55%, which indicated that the optimal parameter combination was reliable. This study could provide a seed model and simulation contact parameters for the research and development of buckwheat sowing, threshing and hulling machinery.

Pretreatment with H2O2 Alleviates the Negative Impacts of NaCl Stress on Seed Germination of Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum).

Soil salinization is one of the main abiotic stress factors impacting the growth of crops and the agricultural industry today. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of H2O2 pretreatment on seed germination in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) seeds under salt stress and to evaluate this species’ salt tolerance. Through the preliminary experiment, this study used 50 mmol L−1 NaCl solution to induce seed stress. After soaking for 12 h in different H2O2 concentrations, seeds were laid in Petri dishes with 50 mmol L−1 NaCl for seven days and the germination parameters and physiological indicators were measured to screen the optimal H2O2 pretreatment concentration and the salt tolerance index. Our results indicated that pretreatment with 5–10 mmol L−1 H2O2 was most effective in alleviating NaCl’s impacts on the seeds’ germination parameters. Furthermore, the growth and material accumulation of seedlings was promoted; catalase, superoxide dismutase activity, and proline content were enhanced; and malondialdehyde content was reduced. Principal component analysis and stepwise regression revealed six key indicators that had a significant impact on the salt tolerance characteristics of F. tataricum, namely, germination potential, shoot fresh weight, root surface area, root average diameter, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity.

Breeding Buckwheat for Nutritional Quality in the Czech Republic.

Buckwheat is a nutritionally valuable crop, an alternative to common cereals also usable in gluten-free diets. The selection of buckwheat genotypes suitable for further breeding requires the characterization and evaluation of genetic resources. The main objective of this work was to evaluate selected phenotypic and morphological traits using international buckwheat descriptors, including total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, on a unique set of 136 common buckwheat accessions grown in 2019–2020 under Czech Republic conditions. In addition, UHPLC-ESI- MS/MS was used to analyze a wide spectrum of 20 phenolic compounds in buckwheat seeds, including four flavanols, three phenolic acids, seven flavonols, four flavones, and two flavanones. Significant differences among years and genotypes were observed for morphological traits (plant height and 1000-seed weight) and antioxidant activity, as well as levels of observed chemical compounds. Antioxidant activity, crude protein content, plant height and rutin content were characterized by higher mean values in 2020 than in 2019 and vice versa for total polyphenol content and 1000-seed weight. Crude protein content was the most stable across years, while total polyphenol content and rutin content varied greatly from year to year. The most abundant phenolic compounds were rutin, hyperoside, epicatechin, catechin, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin and isoorientin. Protein content was negatively correlated with plant height, catechin and epicatechin content. On the other hand, AA and TPC were positively correlated with rutin, hyperoside and chlorogenic acid. Five accessions showed high stability of the evaluated traits under changing conditions within both years of observation. These materials can be used in breeding programmes aimed at improving buckwheat genotypes with emphasis on quality traits.

Identification of a Novel Major Allergen in Buckwheat Seeds: Fag t 6.

Buckwheat is one of the five main allergenic foods (eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, and peanuts). Oleosin is an important type of allergen in some allergic foods. However, although most diagnostic nut and seed extracts are defatted, some patients with food allergies may have false negative diagnostic results of oleosin in vitro. Recently, we found that the serum of buckwheat allergic patients responded strongly to an 18 kDa protein. Mass spectrometry analysis showed it is the oleosin protein family. We further purified and evaluated the allergenicity of this buckwheat oleosin-type allergen, which is involved in the formation of buckwheat oil bodies. The tartary buckwheat oleosin allergen was named Fag t 6, according to the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Subcommittee criteria. The DNA sequence of tartary buckwheat oleosin was cloned. Dot blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed half of the 20 buckwheat allergic patients' serum had strong reactivity with purified buckwheat Fag t 6. Circular dichroism experiment analysis of its thermal stability showed a Tm of 64.65 ± 0.65 °C. A buckwheat allergy showed possible cross-reaction with a wheat allergy. In summary, this study not only increases our understanding of buckwheat allergies and oil-soluble allergens in general, it may also be used to improve diagnostic tests for buckwheat allergies in the future.

Changes in Agricultural Performance of Common Buckwheat Induced by Seed Treatment with Cold Plasma and Electromagnetic Field

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pre-sowing seed treatment with cold plasma (CP) and an electromagnetic field (EMF) on the agricultural performance of two cultivars of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)—‘VB Vokiai’ and ‘VB Nojai’. For this, the effects of CP and EMF on seed germination, plant growth in the field, photosynthetic efficiency, biomass production, seed yield, and the amount of secondary metabolites and minerals in the harvested seeds were estimated. Although the percentage of seedlings that emerged under field conditions decreased by 11–20%, seed treatments strongly improved buckwheat growth and yield. Irrespective of differences in the dynamics of changes in the growth and photosynthetic activity between the two cultivars, the weight of seeds collected per plant for both cultivars was significantly higher (up to 70–97%) compared to the control. The biochemical composition of the harvested seeds (Fe, Zn, quercetin content) was also altered by seed treatments. Thus, pre-sowing treatment of buckwheat seeds with CP and EMF substantially stimulated plant growth in the field, increased biomass production, seed yield and nutritional quality. The results obtained strongly support the idea that plant seed treatment with physical stressors has great potential for use in agriculture.

Bioactive Compounds in Different Buckwheat Species.

The accumulation of valuable nutrients in cereal grains depends on a number of factors, including species, cultivars, and environment conditions. The aim of this study was to compare protein, some polyphenols and rutin content, as well as mineral composition in Fagopyrum tataricum and Fagopyrum esculentum genotypes growing in Polish conditions. A field experiment was conducted on pseudopodsolic soil in 2017–2018 at the Experimental Station in Osiny (51°35′, 21°55′), following randomized complete block method with three replications. Two cultivars of Fagophyrum esculentum (Kora and Panda), two cultivars of Fagopyrum tataricum (LIT1 and 63181) and two forms of Fagopyrum esculentum (Red Corolla and Green Corolla) were used in this experiment. We found differences in the tested compounds (protein, phenolic acids, rutin, and mineral composition) between cultivars and genotypes. Total phenolic acid and rutin contents were higher in the Fagopyrum tataricum compared to Fagopyrum esculentum. Ferulic and coumaric acids were prominent in the Kora and Panda cultivars, however vanillic and syringic acids accumulated more in Green Corolla and Red Corolla. The common buckwheat seeds contained more Cu, Mn, and Mg and less Ca than tartary buckwheat. Moreover Fagopytum esculentum genotype contains more protein compared to Fagopyrum tataricum.

Cold Plasma Affects Germination and Fungal Community Structure of Buckwheat Seeds.

Crop seeds are frequently colonised by fungi from the field or storage places. Some fungi can cause plant diseases or produce mycotoxins, compromising the use of seeds as seeding material, food or feed. We have investigated the effects of cold plasma (CP) on seed germination and diversity of seed-borne fungi in common and Tartary buckwheat. The seeds were treated with CP for 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 s in a low-pressure radiofrequency system using oxygen as the feed gas. The fungi from the seed surface and fungal endophytes were isolated using potato dextrose agar plates. After identification by molecular methods, the frequency and diversity of fungal strains were compared between CP treated and chemically surface-sterilised (30% of H2O2) seeds. CP treatments above 60 s negatively affected the germination of both buckwheat species. A significant reduction in fungal frequency and diversity was observed after 90 s and 120 s in common and Tartary buckwheat, respectively. The filamentous fungi of genera Alternaria and Epicoccum proved to be the most resistant to CP. The results of our study indicate that CP treatment used in our study may be applicable in postharvest and food production, but not for further seed sowing.