Durum Wheat Grain Research Articles

The Genetic Potential of Spring Durum Wheat Grain Quality in the North of Kazakhstan

The paper presents information about the cultivation of spring durum wheat in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. Methods for assessing the quality of grain and semolina in the breeding process are shown: SDS sedimentation, protein content according to Kjeldahl, content, and index of gluten using the Glutomatic 2200 system, vitreousness, hardness SKCS 4100, content of carotenoid pigments, measurements of the color of grain and semolina using a CR-colorimeter. 410, Konica Minolta, commodity and technical properties of pasta; the characteristics of durum wheat genotypes are given as well. Relationships between quality indicators based on correlation analysis are established; indicators of hardness and vitreousness are in close connection with the most significant features: Protein content, gluten, pasta color, and evaluation of pasta properties. The quality of the studied durum wheat genotypes was found to meet the requirements of importers of Kazakh grain: Protein content averaged 14.9%, bulk density averaged 80.5 kg/hL, and the b* value in the Lab color evaluation system was at the level of 26.78 on average for semolina genotypes, with the maximum values found in Damsinskaya 2017 (32.17). Among the Kazakh varieties with the highest quality characteristics, the varieties Lavina, Damsinskaya Yubileinaya, and Korona stand out: Protein content (14.86-15.22%), gluten content 33.2-36.2%, gluten index 50-65, b* value (yellowness index) 23.82-26.74, vitreousness 80-84%. All studied genotypes belonged to hard-grained forms (hard-grain index 67-75).

An evaluation of selected engineering properties of polish durum wheat grain

The physical properties of durum wheat grain have to be evaluated due to the growing diversity of durum wheat cultivars in the food processing industry and increasing qualitative requirements. The size, texture and mechanical properties of wheat grain play an important role in grain processing. In the present study, the morphological and mechanical properties of grain and the correlations between these traits were investigated in seven Polish genotypes of durum wheat. The kernels of the studied cultivars were relatively similar in shape, and their dimensions and weight approximated the average for durum wheat, which indicates that this wheat species can be processed in standard production lines. Hardness index (HI) values (81–89) were relatively similar, whereas grain vitreousness differed across the tested genotypes. The highest HI values were noted in kernels with a thickness of 2.90–2.95 mm. Kernel structure was damaged within a deformation range of around 18–21%. Rupture force, rupture energy and HI values increased with a rise in grain vitreousness. Rupture force was lowest in kernels with vitreousness of 70–75%.

Identification of durum wheat grains by using hybrid convolution neural network and deep features

Identification of durum wheat grains by using hybrid convolution neural network and deep features

СТЕКЛОВИДНОСТЬЗЕРНА ТВЁРДОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В СВЯЗИ С СЕЛЕКЦИЕЙ В СРЕДНЕМ ПОВОЛЖЬЕ

The vitreousness of grain is an important trait taken into account by the state standards of many countries when determining its quality class. When creating new cultivars, this trait is controlled at all stages of breeding. The article presents the results of studying the vitreousness of grain cultivars of Samara Research Institute of Agriculture, related to the 4 stages of breeding covering the periods - 1957-1990 (stage I), 2003-2004 (stage II), 2007-2008 (stage III), 2012-2018 (stage IV). The study was carried out on the experimental field of Samara Research Institute of Agriculture during 2012-2020. Experimental plots with an accounting area of 20.0 m2 were placed in randomized blocks. Vitreousness was determined by the percentage of vitreous grains on the endosperm section in refined grain samples taken in 3 field replicates. The evaluation of the data obtained was carried out on the basis of 2-factor, one-way dispersion and correlation analyzes, parameters of stability and responsiveness according to the methods of Kilchevsky, Khotyleva, Eberhart-Russell, Khangildin, Nettevich. The dispersion of grain vitreousness was determined by environmental conditions – 61.2%, genotype factors and genotype/environmental interactions – 9.3% and 19.0%, respectively. Progress in breeding relative to the first stage was observed at the 2nd and 4th stages and was absent at the 3rd stage. According to the absolute values of vitreousness (91.8-94.3%), 4 cultivars were distinguished - Bezenchukskaya zolotistaya, Bezenchukskaya krepost, Bezenchukskaya nivaand Bezenchukskaya 210, belonging to the 4th stage. Values close to these (89.2-89.6%) were noted in the varieties of the 2nd stage - Bezenchukskaya stepnaya and Pamyaty Chekhovicha. Successful breeding for the vitreousness of durum wheat grain is associated with an improvement in the parameters of the stability of the formation of a trait in a variety of environmental conditions. Reliable genotypic correlations of glassiness, grain yield and macaroni color show the effectiveness of simultaneous selection for these traits. The absence of significant correlations of grain vitreousness with vegetation parameters, and quality, suggests the possibility of obtaining the necessary recombinations in the selection process. Genotypic correlation coefficients show the possibility of breeding productive cultivars with a high vitreousness of grain and a varied combination of parameters of the growing season and grain quality. Cultivars of the 4th stage, Bezenchukskaya zolotistaya and Bezenchukskaya krepost, were proposed as a initial material in breeding for grain vitreousness

Improving micronutrient density in basmati rice and durum wheat through summer green manuring and elemental sulfur fertilisation

Rice–wheat cropping systems feed millions of people in South and East Asia. However, cereal-based foods are inherently deficient in micronutrients. A strategy involving green manuring and elemental sulfur (S) fertilisation is an innovative approach for biofortification by enhancing bioavailability of micronutrients. We conducted an experiment with a basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)–durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) cropping system that comprised main plot treatments of two green manure crops, Sesbania aculeata Pers. (prickly sesban) and Crotalaria juncea L. (sunhemp), and a fallow. Sulfur as bentonite-S (90% S) was applied in subplot treatments of 20 or 40 kg S ha−1 to rice, 20 or 40 kg S ha−1 to wheat, and 20 or 40 kg S ha−1 to both rice and wheat, with a control (no S fertilisation). There were three replications in a split-plot design. Results showed that micronutrient concentrations and their uptake were in the order iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) in both grains and straw of basmati rice and durum wheat. Compared with fallow, sunhemp green manuring increased Zn and Mn by 11%, Fe by 18% and Cu by 17% in basmati rice grain, and Zn by 21%, Mn by 8%, Fe by 12% and Cu by 8% in durum wheat grain. Compared with the no-S control, fertilisation at 40 kg S ha−1 to both rice and wheat increased Zn by 30%, Fe by 33%, Cu by 23% and Mn by 24% in basmati rice grain, as well as rice grain yield by 10%. The same treatment increased Zn by 42%, Fe by 27%, Cu by 9% and Mn by 18% in durum wheat grain, as well as wheat grain yield by 26%. Thus, green manuring and addition of 40 kg S ha−1 to both rotation crops is an effective strategy to ensure biofortification.

New Promising Varieties of Spring Hard Wheat as the Best Raw Material for Pasta Production

Pasta is the most demanded product on the market, although Russia is not the world’s leader in per capita consumption. This is due to the fact that the main raw material for pasta products (up to 80 %) is bakery flour. For production of pasta all over the world, durum wheat grains are used, which have distinctive characteristics from soft wheat. These include: grain nature not less than 800 g/l, glassiness of 80 %, protein content of 15 %, IDK 4.5 units by device (Glutograph-E Brabender), color index by Minolta device is 22 cu. For more than a century, Saratov breeders have been creating durum wheat varieties with high technological potential. This article discusses new varieties of the laboratory for selection and seed production of spring durum wheat of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Agrarian Scientific Center of South-East: Luch 25, Pamyati Vasilchuka and Tamara - varieties that are promising for use in pasta production as raw materials that meet high international quality standards.

Changes in Antioxidant Defence System in Durum Wheat under Hyperosmotic Stress: A Concise Overview.

Durum wheat is one of the most commonly cultivated species in the world and represents a key commodity for many areas worldwide, as its grain is used for production of many foods, such as pasta, bread, couscous, and bourghul. Durum wheat grain has a relevant role in the human diet, providing carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibres, vitamins, and minerals, as well as highly valued bioactive compounds contributing to a healthy diet. Durum wheat is largely cultivated in the Mediterranean basin, where it is mainly grown under rain-fed conditions, thus currently undergoing drought stress, as well as soil salinity, which can hamper yield potential and influence the qualitative characteristics of grain. When plants suffer drought and/or salinity stress, a condition known as hyperosmotic stress is established at cellular level. This leads to the accumulation of ROS thus generating in turn an oxidative stress condition, which can ultimately result in the impairment of cellular integrity and functionality. To counteract oxidative damage due to excessive ROS production under stress, plants have evolved a complex array of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms, working jointly and synergically for maintenance of ROS homeostasis. Enhancement of antioxidant defence system has been demonstrated as an adaptive mechanism associated to an increased tolerance to hyperosmotic stress. In the light of these considerations, this review provides a concise overview on recent advancements regarding the role of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and the main antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidases) in durum wheat response to drought and salt stresses that are expected to become more and more frequent due to the ongoing climate changes.

Transcriptomic and Physiological Response of Durum Wheat Grain to Short-Term Heat Stress during Early Grain Filling

In a changing climate, extreme weather events such as heatwaves will be more frequent and could affect grain weight and the quality of crops such as wheat, one of the most significant crops in terms of global food security. In this work, we characterized the response of Triticum turgidum L. spp. durum wheat to short-term heat stress (HS) treatment at transcriptomic and physiological levels during early grain filling in glasshouse experiments. We found a significant reduction in grain weight (23.9%) and grain dimensions from HS treatment. Grain quality was also affected, showing a decrease in starch content (20.8%), in addition to increments in grain protein levels (14.6%), with respect to the control condition. Moreover, RNA-seq analysis of durum wheat grains allowed us to identify 1590 differentially expressed genes related to photosynthesis, response to heat, and carbohydrate metabolic process. A gene regulatory network analysis of HS-responsive genes uncovered novel transcription factors (TFs) controlling the expression of genes involved in abiotic stress response and grain quality, such as a member of the DOF family predicted to regulate glycogen and starch biosynthetic processes in response to HS in grains. In summary, our results provide new insights into the extensive transcriptome reprogramming that occurs during short-term HS in durum wheat grains.

Formation of individual productivity of winter durum wheat by its structural components depending on the fertilizer system

The individual productivity of winter durum wheat varies signifcantly depending on the fertilizer system in crop rotation, the effectiveness of which is determined by the weather conditions of the growing season. Stem density, tillering coefcients increase signifcantly due to the application of complete fertilizer. Variants of the experiment with incomplete return of phosphorus and potassium removed with crops do not signifcantly affect the structure of the crop. The amount of productive stems increased from 291 pcs/m2 in the version without fertilizers to 338 pcs/m2 or by 16 % for prolonged use of N75 in feld crop rotation and to 397 pcs/ m2, or by 36 % for N150. In the version with prolonged use of N75P30K40, this fgure was 19 %, and with the application of N150P60K80 – 43 % higher compared to unfertilized sites. Prolonged use of nitrogen-potassium and nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer system in terms of the impact on the structure of the crop was at the level of the N150 application option. The number of productive stems in versions with incomplete return to the soil of phosphorus and potassium removed with crops was at the level of the variant with complete fertilizer (N150P30K40). The highest tillering coefcient was in the phase of plants entering the tube – 2.00–2.07, and by the end of the growing season it was decreasing. The lowest coefcient of productive tillering was at fully ripe stage of grain – 1.09–0.54 depending on the fertilizer system. The tendency to influence this indicator was similar to the density of stems. Application of 75 kg a.i./ha of nitrogen fertilizers increases the weight of grains and their number per ear. Increasing their dose up to 150 kg a.i./ha reduces the productivity of the ear. The weight of 1000 grains decreases for all fertilizer systems in crop rotation, but remains very high (≥ 35 g). On average over two years of research it was found that the weight of grain from one ear increased from 1.51 g in the version without fertilizers to 1.63 g or by 8 % with prolonged use of N75, and decreased to 1.45 g, or by 4 % in the version of application of 150 kg a.i./ha of nitrogen fertilizers. Prolonged use of N75P30K40 did not affect this fgure compared to the option of applying only 75 kg a.i./ ha of nitrogen fertilizers. In the N150P60K80 version, the grain weight from one ear was at the control level. The weight of 1000 grains of winter durum wheat in unfertilized sites was 43.0 g, and with the application of nitrogen fertilizers was 41.0–41.7 g. In 2020, the weight of 1000 grains was larger and made 41.5–43.3 g, while in 2021 – 40.3–42.6 g, depending on the version of the experiment. Grain yield was most affected by the nitrogen component in the fertilizer system. Key words: winter durum wheat, fertilizer systems, components of crop structure, stability index.

The effect of root rot on the yield of durum wheat grain in the conditions of the Orenburg region

The identification of factors that affect the decrease in the yield of hard wheat is the basis for studying plant diseases in the agrometeorological conditions of the Orenburg region. In this regard, field and laboratory studies are being conducted on common root rot (Bipolaris sorokiniana) of durum wheat. In the research work, the method of field experience was applied, the weather factors, the infestation of crops with root rot and the yield of durum wheat grain in crop rotations and during permanent cultivation in the southern black lands of the Urals were taken into account. The research was carried out for the first time from 2015 to 2020 on a long-term stationary experimental plot on crop rotations and permanent crops, laid down in 1988 on the territory of the OPH n.a. Kuibyshev. On average, during the growing season of the crop (durum wheat), 107 mm of precipitation falls at an average monthly air temperature of 20.3 oC and the number of dry days is 68. The results of the study show that the lowest prevalence and development of root rot reaches 28.6 and 10.2 % in the third variant of the experiment on a non-windy background of nutrition, the dependence on the influence of air temperature is 94.4 and 70.0 %. The highest yield of durum wheat grain was obtained in the fallow field with siderates in the average arid year of 2017 and amounts to 2.14 and 2.11 t / ha after the application of mineral fertilizers and without them. In the fourth version of the experiment, there is a decrease in the yield of durum wheat grain, which depends on the development of root rot at the maximum proportions of the influence of 80.0 and 89.7 %. Various agro-meteorological conditions, precursors and food backgrounds are the main cause of changes in the degree of spread and development of durum wheat root rot.

Influence of Drought and Salt Stress on Durum Wheat Grain Quality and Composition: A Review.

Durum wheat is a staple crop for the Mediterranean diet because of its adaptability to environmental pressure and for its large use in cereal-based food products, such as pasta and bread, as a source of calories and proteins. Durum wheat whole grains are also highly valued for their peculiar amount of dietary fiber and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds of particular interest for their putative health-beneficial properties, including polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phytosterols. In Mediterranean environments, durum wheat is mostly grown under rainfed conditions, where the crop often experiences environmental stresses, especially water deficit and soil salinity that may induce a hyperosmotic stress. In particular, changes in C and N accumulation due to these abiotic conditions, during grain filling, can influence starch and storage protein amount and composition in durum wheat caryopsis, thus influencing yield and quality traits. Recent advancements regarding the influence of water deficit and salinity stress on durum wheat are critically discussed. In particular, a focus on stress-induced changes in (a) grain protein content and composition in relation to technological and health quality; (b) starch and dietary fiber accumulation and composition; (c) phytochemical composition; (d) health-related grain micronutrient accumulation, such as Fe and Zn.

Comparative Performances of Beneficial Microorganisms on the Induction of Durum Wheat Tolerance to Fusarium Head Blight.

Durum wheat production is seriously threatened by Fusarium head blight (FHB) attacks in Tunisia, and the seed coating by bio-agents is a great alternative for chemical disease control. This study focuses on evaluating, under field conditions, the effect of seed coating with Trichoderma harzianum, Meyerozyma guilliermondii and their combination on (i) FHB severity, durum wheat grain yield and TKW in three crop seasons, and (ii) on physiological parameters and the carbon and nitrogen content and isotope composition in leaves and grains of durum wheat. The results indicated that the treatments were effective in reducing FHB severity by 30 to 70% and increasing grain yield with an increased rate ranging from 25 to 68%, compared to the inoculated control. The impact of treatments on grain yield improvement was associated with higher NDVI and chlorophyll content and lower canopy temperature. Furthermore, the treatments mitigated the FHB adverse effects on N and C metabolism by resulting in a higher δ13Cgrain (13C/12Cgrain) and δ15Ngrain (15N/14Ngrain). Overall, the combination outperformed the other seed treatments by producing the highest grain yield and TKW. The high potency of seed coating with the combination suggests that the two microorganisms have synergetic or complementary impacts on wheat.

Experimental investigation and mathematical modeling of the unsteady drying kinetics of durum wheat grains

Dehydration of durum wheat often occurs under conditions where the effects the drying temperature, the water activity and the elasticity of the grains are significant to influence the drying kinetics. We here investigate the unsteady isothermal desorption process of a moisture from durum wheat grains by employing the static gravimetric method conducted at 30°C and 40°C and at controlled relative humidity values of 6.26% and 74.7%. Moreover, to explain our measured data, we have derived a new elastic diffusion model that extends Fick’s laws by taking into account the effect of the elasticity of the deformable grains. To consider the grain shrinkage during dehydration, we express the diffusion governing equation into the “grain material” coordinates system. We discuss in more detail the unidirectional radial mass transfer via scaling analysis and numerical solutions followed by a successful comparison between the model predictions and our measured data. A diffusion-elasticity coupling constant emerges naturally in the diffusion equation and its effects on the drying kinetics as well as on the grain radius retraction are examined. We found out that the elasticity enhances mass transport within the investigated grains and thus decreases the drying time.

Allelic Variation at Glutenin Loci (Glu-1, Glu-2 and Glu-3) in a Worldwide Durum Wheat Collection and Its Effect on Quality Attributes.

Durum wheat grains (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum) are the main source for the production of pasta, bread and a variety of products consumed worldwide. The quality of pasta is mainly defined by the rheological properties of gluten, an elastic network in wheat endosperms formed of gliadins and glutenins. In this study, the allelic variation at five glutenin loci was analysed in 196 durum wheat genotypes. Two loci (Glu-A1 and Glu-B1), encoding for high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), and three loci (Glu-B2, Glu-A3 and Glu-B3), encoding for low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS), were assessed by SDS-PAGE. The SDS-sedimentation test was used and the grain protein content was evaluated. A total of 32 glutenin subunits and 41 glutenin haplotypes were identified. Four novel alleles were detected. Fifteen haplotypes represented 85.7% of glutenin loci variability. Some haplotypes carrying the 7 + 15 and 7 + 22 banding patterns at Glu-B1 showed a high gluten strength similar to those that carried the 7 + 8 or 6 + 8 alleles. A decreasing trend in grain protein content was observed over the last 85 years. Allelic frequencies at the three main loci (Glu-B1, Glu-A3 and Glu-B3) changed over the 1915–2020 period. Gluten strength increased from 1970 to 2020 coinciding with the allelic changes observed. These results offer valuable information for glutenin haplotype-based selection for use in breeding programs.

Qualitative Characterization of Unrefined Durum Wheat Air-Classified Fractions.

Durum wheat milling is a key process step to improve the quality and safety of final products. The aim of this study was to characterize three bran-enriched milling fractions (i.e., F250, G230 and G250), obtained from three durum wheat grain samples, by using an innovative micronization and air-classification technology. Milling fractions were characterized for main standard quality parameters and for alveographic properties, starch composition and content, phenolic acids, antioxidant activity and ATIs. Results showed that yield recovery, ash content and particle size distributions were influenced either by the operating conditions (230 or 250) or by the grain samples. While total starch content was lower in the micronized sample and air-classified fractions, the P/L ratio increased in air-classified fractions as compared to semolina. Six main individual phenolic acids were identified through HPLC-DAD analysis (i.e., ferulic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, syringic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids). Compared to semolina, higher contents of all individual phenolic components were found in all bran-enriched fractions. The highest rise of TPAs occurred in the F250 fraction, which was maintained in the derived pasta. Moreover, bran-enriched fractions showed significant reductions of ATIs content versus semolina. Overall, our data suggest the potential health benefits of F250, G230 and G250 and support their use to make durum-based foods.

Effects of the functional Gpc‐B1 allele on soft durum wheat grain, milling, flour, dough, and breadmaking quality

AbstractBackground and objectivesUtilization of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) can be enhanced by increasing grain and flour protein content. One strategy to increase protein content is by introducing the functional Gpc‐B1 allele from wild emmer (Triticum turgidum subsp. dicoccoides).FindingsIntroduction of the functional Gpc‐B1 allele into soft kernel durum increased grain and flour protein by 17 g/kg, increased dough strength as evidenced by SDS sedimentation volume and Mixograph dough mixing parameters, and increased straight‐dough pan bread volume. When grown under arid conditions, high protein (151 g/kg) samples had decreased loaf volumes indicative of inelastic doughs. The functional Gpc‐B1 allele was associated with decreased test weight, a small increase in SKCS hardness, and a modest increase in flour ash; otherwise, milling performance was not affected.ConclusionsIntrogression of the Gpc‐B1 functional allele from dicoccoides into durum wheat can improve dough strength and breadmaking quality. The effect tends to be consistent over environments but overall, Gpc‐B1 made only a modest improvement in durum wheat breadmaking quality. Further studies with concomitant selection at other loci are needed to see the effects of Gpc‐B1 among elite germplasm.Significance and noveltyDurum wheat production and consumption will increase as bread quality improves. The functional Gpc‐B1 allele contributed to improved breadmaking quality. The present report is the first to examine the effect of this allele on breadmaking in durum wheat.

Cultivar Grain Yield in Durum Wheat-Grain Legume Intercrops Could Be Estimated From Sole Crop Yields and Interspecific Interaction Index.

Ensuring food security for a world population projected to reach over nine billion by 2050 while mitigating the environmental impacts and climate change represent the major agricultural challenges. Diversification of the cropping systems using notably cereal–legume mixtures is one key pathway for such agroecological intensification. Indeed, intercropping is recognised as a practice having the potential to increase and stabilise the yields in comparison with sole crops while limiting the use of inputs notably when species exploit resources in a complementary way. However, predicting intercropped species grain yield remains a challenge because the species respond to competition through complex genotype x cropping mode interactions. Here, we hypothesised that the grain yield achieved by a cultivar in low nitrogen input durum wheat–grain legume intercrops (ICs) could be estimated using a few simple variables. The present work is based on a 2-year field experiment carried out in southwestern France using two durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.), four winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), and four winter faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes with contrasting characteristics, notably in terms of height and precocity, to explore a wide range of durum wheat–grain legume phenotypes combinations to generate variability in terms of yield and species proportion. The major result is that the yield of durum wheat–grain legume IC component in low nitrogen input conditions could be correctly estimated from only three variables: (i) wheat cultivar full density sole crop (SC) yield, (ii) legume cultivar half density sole crop (SC½) yield, and (iii) an indicator of legume cultivar response to interspecific competition. The latter variable, the interspecific interaction index (IE), reveals cultivars' competitive abilities and tolerance to competition. However, to propose generic IC design and management procedures, further mechanistic understanding is required to better understand the links between tolerance to interspecific competition and cultivar phenotype characteristics. In particular, a special emphasis on the grain legume is needed as their response to interspecific competition appears less predictable than that of durum wheat. Cultivar choice is a key element to optimise the functional complementarity and subsequent IC advantages. This work proposes a simple tool to assist the design of specific breeding programs for cultivars ideotypes adapted to intercropping.

The profile of bioactive compounds in the grain of various x Tritordeum genotypes

The content of bound phenolic acids, flavonoids and carotenoids was compared in the grain of eleven Tritordeum breeding lines and two cultivars of durum wheat. Ferulic and t-cinnamic acids occurred in the highest concentrations and accounted for 89% of total phenolic acids in Tritordeum and 80% in T. durum. The total concentration of bound phenolic acids was determined at 2063 mg kg−1 on average in Tritordeum, and it was nearly two-fold higher than in durum wheat (1056 mg kg−1). The total concentration of the identified flavonoids in grain was nearly 50% higher in Tritordeum than in durum wheat. The studied lines differed considerably in zeaxanthin content. The lutein/zeaxanthin ratio was closer to 5 in Tritordeum than in durum wheat grain. This ratio of around 5 is generally assumed to deliver health benefits. The grain of the analyzed Tritordeum lines was characterized by significantly higher antioxidant activity than T. durum grain.

Enrichment of provitamin A content in durum wheat grain by suppressing β-carotene hydroxylase 1 genes with a TILLING approach.

The suppression of the HYD-1 gene by a TILLING approach increases the amount of β-carotene in durum wheat kernel. Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem that affects numerous countries in the world. As humans are not able to synthesize vitamin A, it must be daily assimilated along with other micro- and macronutrients through the diet. Durum wheat is an important crop for Mediterranean countries and provides a discrete amount of nutrients, such as carbohydrates and proteins, but it is deficient in some essential micronutrients, including provitamin A. In the present work, a targeting induced local lesions in genomes strategy has been undertaken to obtain durum wheat genotypes biofortified in provitamin A. In detail, we focused on the suppression of the β-carotene hydroxylase 1 (HYD1) genes, encoding enzymes involved in the redirection of β-carotene toward the synthesis of the downstream xanthophylls (neoxanthin, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin). Expression analysis of genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis revealed a reduction of the abundance of HYD1 transcripts greater than 50% in mutant grain compared to the control. The biochemical profiling of carotenoid in the wheat mutant genotypes highlighted a significant increase of more than 70% of β-carotene compared to the wild-type sibling lines, with no change in lutein, α-carotene and zeaxanthin content. This study sheds new light on the molecular mechanism governing carotenoid biosynthesis in durum wheat and provides new genotypes that represent a good genetic resource for future breeding programs focused on the provitamin A biofortification through non-transgenic approaches.

Response of cellulose-decomposing activity of microorganisms and nutrients to long-term cultivation of durum wheat

Determination of the main factors affecting the productivity of durum wheat is a prerequisite for studying the activity of soil microorganisms and the content of mobile forms of nutrients (NO3 −, P2O5, K2O) on the chernozems of the Cis-Ural region. The aim of the study is to detect the response of each studied factor separately to an increase in yield for different predecessors of crop rotations. Studies of these factors are conducted for the first time in the field and in the laboratory. In the research work the field, application, ionometric and Machigina methods of the experiment on durum wheat are used. Positive results for 19 years of observations are observed in the second variant of the experiment. They lead to an increase in the yield of durum wheat grain after black steam to 9.2 c from 1 ha. The dependence on the influence of the activity of microorganisms and the content of macronutrients of nutrition consists 51.62; 52.43; 35.27 and 36.80%. A decrease in the biological activity of the soil leads to a low yield level in the seventh variant of sowing, reaching up to 5.1 c per 1 ha, despite the response of nitrates 45.45%, mobile phosphorus 31.91 and exchangeable potassium 42.63%. The results of the study have a major importance in the field of soil science, farming and agriculture.