Quality Parameters Of Grain Research Articles

Productivity of spring barley at different seeding rates and doses of fertilizers

In the forest-steppe of the Euro-North-East of the Russian Federation (The Republic of Mordovia), the research has been carried out to optimize methods for cultivating spring barley of the Zazersky 85 cultivar, which allow to increase yield and improve grain quality. The experiment was carried out in 2020–2022 on leached medium-humic heavy loamy chernozem. There were studied seeding rates (4.5; 5.0; 5.5 million germinating seeds/ha) and doses of fertilizers (Ν0Р0К0; Ν32Р32К32 – before sowing (background); background + Ν30-60-90 – in top dressing). It has been established that increasing the seeding rate from 4.5–5.0 to 5.5 million significantly reduced the barley grain yield by 0.61–0.70 t/ha, respectively, on average over the years of the research. The crop yield increased significantly under the influence of mineral fertilizers – by 1.62–3.42 t/ha compared to the control (2.68 t/ha). In general, the highest grain yield (6.29–6.47 t/ha) was obtained when sowing barley at rates of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha by the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and Ν60-90 as a top dressing in the tillering phase. Under the influence of fertilizers, the quality parameters of grain changed: the grain unit increased by 15–33 g/l, the weight of 1000 grains – by 0.63–1.53 g, the protein content – up to 13.2 %; the film content decreased by 0.3–0.7 abs.%. The highest grain uniformity (93.0–94.8 %) was observed at the seeding rate of 4.5 and 5.0 million germinated seeds/ha in the variants with nitrogen fertilizers (Ν60-90) against the background of Ν32P32K32. The highest profitability of grain production of the Zazersky 85 barley cultivar (103,18 %) was obtained at the seeding rate of 4.5 million germinated seeds per 1 ha with the application of Ν32P32K32 before sowing and N60 as a top dressing in the tillering phase.

Application of NIR spectroscopy to determine the basic biochemical parameters of black oat grain quality

Background. The purpose of this work was to develop calibration models for rapid assessment of the main biochemical parameters of grain quality of naked and covered black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) using near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy. The use of whole oat grains makes it possible to preserve breeding material of special value, which is very important for breeders. Materials and methods. Black oat grain from 50 accessions from the VIR collection was grown in 2014–2020 in various agro-ecological conditions of the Russian Federation. Chemical parameter values for constructing calibration models were determined in the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of VIR using traditional methods, such as Kjeldahl for protein/nitrogen, Soxhlet extraction (modified by S.V. Rushkovsky) for oil, polarimetry according to Evers for starch, and gravimetry for beta-glucans. Results. The work resulted in the construction of calibration models for the determination of protein, oil, starch and beta-glucans in whole grains of black oat by a Bruker's MATRIX-I IR analyzer (Germany). A test batch of 20 accessions was used for assessing reliability of the constructed models. The models for determining protein, starch and oil were found to be reliable, while the model for determining beta-glucans needs improvements. It was found that the difference between the values obtained by spectroscopy and by standard chemical methods averaged 0.38 % for protein, 0.57 % for starch and 0.30 % for oil, which does not exceed the maximum permissible error of parallel measurements. The relative difference between the studied indicators does not exceed 3-6 % on an average. Conclusion. The proposed physical method for the analysis of black oat grain allows an express preliminary assessment of breeding material with a high speed of analysis. The main advantages of the method include the possibility of preserving valuable starting material, economizing on reagents, increasing labor efficiency, and obtaining data simultaneously on several parameters of the scanned sample with a specified repeatability.

Integração de dados físico-químicos e instrumental para estimar a textura de arroz polido

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated different rice genotypes regarding physicochemical and instrumental parameters of grain quality and associated the data with sensory analysis to support the creation of rules for classification of the culinary quality of rice (texture), based on isolated or combined parameters. The combination of amylose content and gelatinization temperature was able to predict the rice quality. According to the sensorial panel, the instrumental stickiness was able to segregate rice with very low amylose content or waxy to the other ones. Regarding pasting properties, rice that presented high final viscosity (310-480 RVU), setback (165-245 RVU), and pasting temperature (78 - 88 °C), and low values for breakdown (15-120 RVU), associated with a high stickiness (>-5N) was desirable by the Brazilian consumers. The classification rules created through the relationship between the physicochemical parameters and the texture profile evaluated by the sensory panel will help to verify the culinary profile of the rice samples (through free software), which makes it easier to predict the probability of rice meeting the desired quality standards.

The benefits of experimental breeding research genotypes for the genetic resources of spring durum wheat

AbstractOur study aimed to incorporate 60 newly acquired spring durum wheat genotypes into the Prague Gene Bank collection, focusing on 54 experimental breeding research genotypes and their technological quality contributions for conservation and future use. We analyzed a total of 11 field and 6 technological parameters of grain quality. Additionally, we identified the composition of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) in 13 accessions with contrasting technological characteristics. Two different extraction procedures were employed to detect HMW-GSs: one based on total protein extraction and the other on gliadin pre-extraction. The tested parameters exhibited a significant range of variability, with the relative standard deviation ranging from 2.1% for starch content to 96.7% for the gluten index. Additionally, six breeding research genotypes exhibited high technological grain quality comparable to the two modern durum wheat cultivars. Two accessions: M90-99–2 and IG 142076 showed above-average Zeleny sedimentation values, probably positively influenced by the presence of HMW-GSs A1: (2*). Genotypes PI 675012 and IG 142039 displayed the highest grain stability in technological parameters. Both extraction methods also detected the specific subunit B1: (6 + 8*) in the genotype IG 142039. Preserving these genotypes thus represents a substantial expansion of genetic resources in the genebank.

Are Portuguese Cowpea Genotypes Adapted to Drought? Phenological Development and Grain Quality Evaluation.

Along with population growth, global climate change represents a critical threat to agricultural production, compromising the goal of achieving food and nutrition security for all. It is urgent to create sustainable and resilient agri-food systems capable of feeding the world without debilitating the planet. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) refers to pulses as a superfood, as one of the most nutritious crops with high health benefits. Considered to be low-cost, many can be produced in arid lands and have an extended shelf-life. Their cultivation helps reduce greenhouse gases and increases carbon sequestration, also improving soil fertility. Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is particularly drought tolerant, with a wide diversity of landraces adapted to different environments. Considering the importance of knowing and valuing the genetic variability of this species in Portugal, this study assessed the impact of drought on four landraces of cowpea (L1 to L4) from different regions of the country and a national commercial variety (CV) as a reference. The development and evaluation of morphological characteristics were monitored in response to terminal drought (imposed during the reproductive phase), and its effects were evaluated on the yield and quality of the produced grain, namely the weight of 100 grains, color, protein content, and soluble sugars. Under drought conditions, the landraces L1 and L2 showed early maturation as a strategy to avoid water deficit. Morphological alteration of the aerial part of the plants was evident in all genotypes, with a rapid reduction in the number of leaves and a reduction in the number of flowers and pods by between 44 and 72%. The parameters of grain quality, the weight of 100 grains, color, protein, and soluble sugars did not vary significantly, except for sugars of the raffinose family that is associated with the adaptive mechanisms of plants to drought. The performance and maintenance of the evaluated characteristics reflect the adaptation acquired in the past by exposure to the Mediterranean climate, highlighting the potential agronomic and genetic value, still little exploited, that could contribute to production stability, preserved nutritional value, and food safety under water stress.

Yield and grain quality parameters in domestic and foreign varieties of soft winter wheat

Topicality. One of the main indicators that determine the commercial value of wheat grain, its baking and technological properties is the mass fraction of protein. The results of scientific research and agricultural production practices show that over the past 80–90 years in the southern regions of Ukraine, the protein content of winter wheat grain has decreased from 17–18 % to 10–12 %, and in unfavourable weather conditions, the amount of protein in grain can even decrease to 8.0–9.5 %. Improving the wheat grain quality is one of the challenges facing Ukraine today. Ukraine has a high position in the global grain market: its share in wheat exports averages 5 %. Purpose. To estimate the yield and biochemical parameters of grain quality of soft winter wheat at the current stage. Methods. Field trials were conducted according to the B. A. Dospekhov’s methodology of field experience. Agricultural technology of winter wheat cultivation is generally accepted for the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Accounting the yield was carried out according to the methodology of state variety testing the agricultural crops. The protein content in the grain was determined by infrared spectrometry and the Kjeldahl method. The level of protein sedimentation was determined by the SDS 30 method. Results. When comparing the obtained data on yield in the collection, it was found that modern domestic and foreign varieties (I, II, III group) in the optimal conditions of growing season had an average yield of 103–107 % higher than varieties of early stages of breeding. The soft winter wheat varieties developed by the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center for Seeds and Cultivar Investigation are the leaders in terms of yield. Foreign varieties are not sufficiently adapted to local weather conditions, which significantly affects the realisation of yield potential. As a result of the negative correlation between yield and grain quality, with each stage of breeding, including in modern varieties, grain protein content decreases by 0.5–1.5 % along with yield growth. In terms of sedimentation level, the varieties of the Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center for Seeds and Cultivar Investigation prevail over the varieties of the early stages of breeding. The group of varieties of Ukrainian breeding has a great diversity in terms of sedimentation level. Foreign varieties have rather low sedimentation rates. The realisation of the genetic potential of grain yield and quality of the studied varieties depended on weather conditions and doses of mineral fertilisers. Conclusions. Given the negative correlation between yield and grain quality, the significant success of breeding in increasing the yield of Ukrainian and foreign varieties was accompanied by decreasing protein content at each stage of breeding by 0.5–1.5 %. Compared to the varieties of the early stages of breeding, the SDS-30 sedimentation index was the highest only in the varieties of Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center for Seeds and Cultivar Investigation, while domestic varieties of other research institutions were slightly inferior to the varieties of the early stages of breeding. The group of foreign varieties had the lowest sedimentation index. In addition to the genetic factor, such factors as weather conditions and rates of mineral nutrition have a great influence on the formation of grain yield and quality. Key words: wheat yield, wheat adaptability, grain protein content, sedimentation, fertilizers, biochemical parameters

Application of New-Generation Growth Regulators and Topdressing Nitrogen Fertilizers Increases Improver Winter Wheat Yield and Grain Quality in South Russia

The need for effective nutrient management is crucial for optimizing wheat production and increasing the plant’s ability to tolerate different environmental stresses. In this study, we assessed the influence of new-generation PGRs and foliar topdressing nitrogen fertilizer and their interactive effects on wheat yield and quality parameters of grain and flour. A three-year field experiment was conducted on the dark chestnut soil of the Rostov region. We estimated the effect of foliar topdressing liquid nitrogen fertilizer on consumption rates of N32 (N32), N64 (N32 + N32), and N96 (N32 + N32 + N32), as well as new-generation plant growth regulators (PGRs), namely, Zirkon, Silk, and Albit, on the productivity and grain quality of winter wheat Tarasovskaya 70. The results of the experiments indicate that the highest average grain yield over three years was 5.34 t/ha−1 with the application of N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and Albit PGR. In 2020, due to favorable weather conditions, the greatest grain yield was attained at 6.27 t/ha−1 for N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and Albit PGR. The highest grain quality with the greatest gluten content >28% was obtained when N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and PGRs were applied. According to the results, using N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and PGRs made it possible to obtain “valuable” grain in terms of quality, which is suitable for the production of premium flour. The beneficial interactive effects of N application rates and PGRs on winter wheat yield and quality parameters are worthy of further investigation.

Evaluation of heritability and genetic advance of some quality parameters in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under genotype by environmental interaction

Abstract. Growing conditions play a significant role in the yield and grain quality of winter wheat. Global climate changes and in particular in the meteorological situation in the regions typical for the crop presuppose conducting research on the newly created breeding materials for grain quality. The aim of the study is to determine the nature and magnitude of the change in important parameters of grain quality, under the influence of typical environmental conditions for growing common wheat. The working hypothesis suggests that most of the parameters have a good genetic basis that would allow the selection to lead to their increase. In a multi environmental field experiment involving five test locations over three consecutive years, changes in eight grain quality parameters were investigated reflecting different aspects of the end-use quality. The study involved 40 samples of wheat developed by the breeding company "Agronom" in the last 20 years. With the help of modern methods for statistical analysis, the effect of the main breeding factors "location", "year" and "genotype", the limits of variation and the correlations between them have been established. The real possibilities for selection and breeding of each parameter have been analyzed, against the background of the rest of the group. Quality parameters change significantly from the three factors studied. The interaction "genotype x year" has the strongest influence on each of them. The "location x genotype" interaction is not a factor that affects the parameters. Only Deformation energy shows a significant share of the genotype, while the other two factors have a negligible influence on it. Each of the studied parameters, without exception, changes both adequately (linearly, IPC1) and inadequately (nonlinearly, IPC2) when the conditions change during the studied seasons. This nature of change is the reason for the relatively weak positive correlations between the parameters, as well as for their low heritability coefficients in a broad sense. Against the background of the data, the values of Genetic advance are indicated, with which each of them can be increased by selection. There are both positive and negative correlations between the parameters, the direction and value of which must be taken into account in the attempt to change them. An effective selection can be made on the parameters Extensibility index, Deformation energy and P/L ratio which have the strongest genetic control (H2> 0.60), which against the background of the strong influence of the environment ("location", "year", "location x year”) can lead to genetic advantage with 12% (Extensibility index), 17% (Deformation energy), 51% (P/L) of their present value. A selection based on PC or Wet gluten content parameters that have a direct effect on overall quality can also be effective (H2 =0.58-0.63). Instead, it would be more prudent to monitor, not so much their quantitative, but their qualitative composition, the accumulation of known or new alleles of glutenins (Glu) and gliadins (Gli), for which there is specific information that they are directly related to high grain quality.

Effect of Processing on Some Quality Parameters of Flour and Bread Made from Wheat Grain Biofortified with Zn and Se

Millions of people have inadequate Se and Zn intakes, but agronomic biofortification could prevent this. This study evaluated the effect of the combined Zn and Se biofortification on the quality parameters of grain, and on the composition of minerals (Zn, Se, Mg, Ca and Fe) and their availability in bread-making wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) products, white flour, wholemeal bread and white bread were evaluated. The studied treatments were soil Zn (no Zn, and 50 kg Zn ha−1) and foliar applications (0, 10 g Se ha−1, 8 kg Zn ha−1, and 10 g Se ha−1 + 8 kg Zn ha−1) and were tested in a two-year field experiment (2017–2018, 2018–2019). The foliar combined biofortification increased the concentration of both minerals in white flour, wholemeal bread and white bread by about 33%, 24% and 51%, respectively for Zn, and 3.3-fold, 3.4-fold and 2.7-fold for Se, showing a synergistic effect on Se concentration with the Se and Zn combination. While the loss of Zn and Se during the milling process was41% and 18%, respectively, baking caused a loss of 15% and 19%, respectively, for wholemeal bread, and up to 61% and 29% for Zn and Se for white bread. Hence, although the consumption of wholemeal bread instead of white bread may enhance Zn and Se intake more than biofortification, until consumption habits change, the biofortification of wheat can help to mitigate inadequate Zn and Se intakes in the general population.

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.

Parameters of Grain Quality in Winter Common Wheat and the Effect of Hereditary Factors Associated with the Endosperm Carbohydrate Complex

Grain quality parameters of winter common wheat under the influence of ha/Ha (hard vs. Soft) genes, determining grain hardness vs. grain softness, as well as genotypes for the Wx-A1, Wx-B1, and Wx-D1 genes, responsible for either amylose or amylopectin type of endosperm starch, were examined. The influence of environmental conditions on the formation of these parameters in different wheat genotypes during grain ripening was demonstrated. It was demonstrated that the grain softness in comparison with the grain hardness and amylopectin form led to a considerable decrease in water absorption capacity (Absorption) of the grain. The environment affects variation of this trait in amylose genotypes, but does not affect absorption in amylopectin forms. Differences in grain hardness affected the gluten parameter, but showed no response to the environmental influence. Genotypes differing in Wx genes had no hereditary effect on this parameter. The influence of environment factors on the formation of this parameter was revealed. In the years favorable for the wheat grain ripening, the values of viscosity and retrogradation indices were considerably lower in amylopectin forms compared to amylose ones. In the conditions of increased humidity during this period, the differences between these groups of genotypes are smoothed out, and very low viscosity and retrogradation index values are observed. Unlike environmental factors, the differences in grain hardness had no effect on these grain quality parameters. The amylase index in amylopectin forms was stable over the years and did not vary in this group of genotypes and also did not differ from that in amylose genotypes. The response of this index to environmental conditions in the groups of amylose-type cultivars was observed. In the years with the weather conditions favorable for wheat ripening, the viscosity index can be used for identification of amylopectin genotypes.

A Comparative Assessment of the Baking Quality of Hybrid and Population Wheat Cultivars

The study assessed the quality parameters of grain and flour, the rheological properties of dough and the quality of bread prepared from flour of hybrid cultivars of wheat in comparison with population cultivars of wheat. As the interest in wheat hybrids cultivars from the agricultural and milling industry is growing, their technological value of grain and flour was evaluated at two levels of nitrogen fertilisation (N1—110 kg/ha, N2—150 kg/ha). Increasing the fertilisation (N2) produced a significant influence on the crude protein and gluten content in the flour, as well as the moisture of the crumb and the yield of the dough without impacting other rheological traits and parameters of bread baking process. The performed principal component analysis (PCA) allowed for identification of the best cultivars among the studied wheat cultivars (Hybery and Hyvento). The hybrid cultivar Hyvento was characterised by favourable qualitative traits of the grain (vitreousness, crude protein content) and rheological parameters of the dough (bread volume), however, it had lower baking quality parameters. Among the hybrid cultivars, the best applicability for baking purposes was Hybery due to the favourable values of the baking process parameters and bread quality (bread yield, bread volume, Dallmann porosity index of crumb). Hybrid cultivars of wheat can therefore be used for the production of bread and be an alternative in agricultural production for population cultivars, which will contribute to filling the knowledge gap for the hybrid wheat cultivars.

Yield capacity and grain quality of productive Triticum aestivum L. mutants, induced by chemical mutagenic factors of the environment

Aim. Taking into account the fact that the zones of local massive chemical soil contamination could have unique conditions of the effect of gene-toxic factors on living organisms, the purpose of the research was to study yield capacity and some parameters of grain quality of productive T. aestivum L. mutants, induced by chemical techno-genic mutagenic factors of the environment. Methods. The yield from each plot was determined based on three-year data. The determination of the total protein and gluten content and the studying of the indicators of grain firmness were carried out in M6 by the method of infra-red spectroscopy (NIR). Gluten quality was determined by sedimentation indicator SDS-30. Results. Samples were selected whose yield exceeded the initial form by 1.2–9.0%. In most of them by the content of protein and gluten in grain, the indicator of sedimentation and grain firmness corresponds to the level of an initial form or does not equal it considerably. Mutant sample No. 5561 of cultivar Albatros odeskyi, induced by the contamination with the discharges of Burshtyn ThPS, was found; its yield capacity was supplemented by a serious increase of grain quality indicators. Conclusions. Using the effect of chemical techno-genic mutagenic factors of the environment, it is possible to improve the indicators of wheat yield capacity and grain quality. The expansion of the genetic diversification of the initial breeding material due to a gene-toxic effect of xenobiotics creates perspectives for its use to implement breeding-genetic programs of the improvement of wheat cultivars.
 Keywords: Triticum aestivum L., mutagenic factors, productive mutants, yield capacity, grain quality.

EVALUATION OF ADAPTIVE CAPACITY OF PROMISING SPRING DURUM WHEAT LINES IN OMSK REGION CONDITIONS

Field research was carried out in 2018-2019 on the premises of Omsk Agrarian Research Centre, exactly the breeding crop rotation of the laboratory of durum wheat breeding as well as at the reference point of seed production in the steppe zone in the village of Novouralsky Tavrichesky district of Omsk region. The experiments were conducted in a complete fallow. The area of the plots was 10 m², repeated four times, the location was random. Weather conditions during the vegetation period of 2018 were contrasting both in terms of precipitation and temperature. Grain formation took place in late August - early September, which had a significant impact on grain quality. In 2019, atypical meteorological conditions were observed: favorable in the first vegetation period and arid - in the second (Volga type of drought). The productivity of durum wheat lines was estimated in terms of adaptive capacity and stability. Scientific data on the parameters of grain quality and disease resistance are highlighted. Yields of durum wheat lines varied considerably depending on agro-climatic conditions of the year and cultivation background. The best conditions for the growth and development of genotypes were set up in the southern forest-steppe zone of Omsk, the maximum crop yield was observed in the Gord. line 08-67-1, Gord. 09-68-1, Gord. 05-12-7(v), Gord. 08-107-5. The general adaptive ability is close to zero, that shows stability of genotypes in external environment. Specific adaptive ability revealed in the lines: Gord. 10-33-3, Gord. 10-8-4, Gord. 11- 70-7, Gord. 11-77-8, Gord. 11-99-1. The authors highlight the following promising lines according to the experimental results: Gord. 05-12-7(v), Gord. 08-107-5, Gord. 09-68-1, Gord. 08-67-1. Selection assessment of promising lines was carried out on the indicators of grain quality and disease resistance. The following parameters are seen as good quality indicators at the Gord line 11-70-7: weight of 1000 grains is 49.75 g and high resistance to stem rust (6%). According to the quality of grain and weight of 1000 grains, Gord. line 09-68-1 is better than Zhemchuzhina Sibiri, affection of brown and stem rust is minimal that is interesting for selection procedures. The following varieties are valuable from the point of view of breeding, stability of genotype, high productivity, quality of grain and pasta and resistance to disease: Gord. 05-12-7(v), Gord. 08-107-5, Gord. 09-68-1, Gord. 08-67-1, Gord. 11-70-7, Gord. 11-99-1.

Study of Androgenic Plant Families of Alloplasmic Introgression Lines (H. vulgare) -T. aestivum and the Use of Sister DH Lines in Breeding.

One of the limitations in obtaining the genetic diversity of doubled haploid (DH) lines via anther culture is the development of families of regenerants, and each family represents a clone. This work examines the results of studying this phenomenon in anther culture of alloplasmic (H. vulgare)–T. aestivum and euplasmic lines with 1RS.1BL and 7DL-7Ai translocations and hybrids between them. Parameters of androgenesis such as the number of embryo-like structures, the total number of regenerants, and the number of green regenerants per 100 anthers varied depending on the genotype. In all genotypes from embryo-like structures, predominant development of families of plantlets rather than single plantlets was found. The source of family plantlets was polyembryos. About 75% of families consisted of regenerants at the same fertility level. On average, 37.74%4% of the R0 plants were fertile. The sister DH lines of three hybrid combinations were formed from seeds of R1 plants (2n = 42) with high fertility and in the presence of wheat–alien translocations. After four years of breeding trials, the sister DH lines of three families with fungal disease resistance increased yield, and some parameters of grain quality exceeding the controls were identified as promising for breeding.

Biofortification with Zinc and Iron Improves the Grain Quality and Yield of Wheat Crop

Hidden hunger is emerging as a major challenge for agricultural scientists because world population is increasing and food production is augmenting. Metals deficiencies (micronutrient malnutrition), especially Zn and Fe, are affecting over half of global population because they are depending cereal crops mainly wheat rice and maize for their daily diet. There are various possible techniques to overcome the hidden hunger but agronomic biofortification is one of the major agricultural strategies to enhance the grain concentration of micronutrients. Application of iron sulphate (FeSO4) zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and as alone or in combination either soil and foliar application increased the height of plants, number of tillers, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, thousand grain weight, economical yield, biological yield and harvesting index, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and protein contents. Among different Zn and Fe concentrations applied either soil supplement or foliar spray, combine foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4 significantly improved the maximum growth or quality attributes of wheat. Biofortification is one of the major agricultural strategies to enhance the concentration of micronutrients in grains to minimize the malnutrition. Combination of Zn and Fe as foliar spray (0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4) increased the yield traits of wheat crop as well as quality parameters of grains. Foliar application method is more appropriate for availability of nutrients to plants for optimum growth as compared to soil application method. Combined application of Zn and Fe (0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4) through foliar spray is recommended to enhance the productivity of wheat crop with good quality of grains.

Responsiveness of buckwheat varieties to foliar applications by microfertilizer under forest steppe of the volga region

The yields of modern intensive varieties of buckwheat in arid regions are highly susceptible to adverse hydrothermal growing conditions. The selection of optimal compositions and technologies for using modern agrochemicals that provide an adaptogenic effect and a favourable vegetation regime of plants can be an effective way to stabilize the grain production of this warm-loving but the drought-resistant crop. Scientists have poorly studied these issues and the issues of efficient use of mineral nutrition resources in buckwheat. They studied the responsiveness of buckwheat varieties, that differ in the morphological and biological characteristics of plants, to the foliar application by Yara concentrated complex water-soluble fertilizers containing macroand microelements.The data obtained indicate the presence of varietal specificity, which manifests itself to varying degrees of plant responsiveness to foliar application in the formation of leaf area, grain yield and quality indicators of the crop. The authors made conclusions about the preferred dates for foliar application with the studied Yara complex micronutrient fertilizers. When the foliar application of microelements in the phase of the beginning of grain formation, the K-850 cultivar had the highest yield and the best quality parameters of grains. For the K-899 cultivar, the application in the russeting phase was most effective for grains and affected the best plumpness of the grains. The more powerful morphological potential of Batyr plants was not realized by an adequate increase in yield for the performed feeding. The authors observed a slight tendency to decrease the crude protein content in grains during the foliar application which is probably due to the inverse correlation of this trait with the formation rate of the organic mass of plants.

Fusarium infection in wheat, aggressiveness and changes in grain quality: a review

Fusarium Head Blight, one of the most devastating diseases on small-grain cereals, has caused severe epidemics worldwide, altering yield and quality parameters of grains and contaminating them with fungal toxins. The aggressiveness of Fusarium spp. could be ascribed to different mechanisms, such as the production and release of extracellular plant-cell-wall-degrading enzymes and proteases which are crucial in the processes of fungal colonization and disease establishment. Once infection is established, mycotoxins are released, and they interfere with the metabolism of the host. Wheat grains damaged by Fusarium graminearum present changes in their cell structure and in the composition of carbohydrate, protein and starch granules of the endosperm, which modify their physical and chemical properties, altering the desired quality characteristics for baked goods. The protein content of wheat is one of the main determinants of its commercial value since the industrial quality of the grain depends on the concentration and type of its proteins. To evaluate the quality and end use of flour, laboratories and industries use different techniques to analyze its protein content. Since yield and quality of wheat grains depend on the genetic of cultivars, environment and level of infection in the harvested grains, this review focuses on the main events related to the infection by Fusarium and the evaluation of the disease from grains and flour. Special attention to changes in the protein fraction are discusses, due to its direct relationship with the commercial value.

Grain quality of common wheat lines with T. kiharae genetic material

Aim. T. kiharae (AtAtGGDD, 2n=42) is a source of high protein and gluten content, resistance to many diseases. Сommon wheat lines with the introgression of T. kiharae genetic material were obtained in order to enrich T. aestivum L. gene pool. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of T. kiharae genetic material on the grain quality of T. aestivum/T. kiharae introgression lines. Methods. The composition of the high molecular weight glutenin subunits was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Evaluation of the most important traits of grain quality (hardness, protein and gluten content, gluten quality) was carried out according to GOST. Results. Сomparative analysis of the composition of high molecular weight glutenin subunits of introgressive lines and their parental forms allowed us to identify lines with novel alleles of Glu-1 loci, specific for T. kiharae. For most of the introgression lines T. aestivum/T. kiharae hardness, protein and gluten content were higher than for parent wheat varieties. Conclusions. Introgression of T. kiharaegenetic material in the genome of common wheat had a positive effect on all studied parameters of grain quality except the gluten quality.
 Keywords: common wheat, T. kiharae, glutenin, SDS-PAGE, quality of grain.

Physicochemical and rheological properties of Indian wheat varieties of Triticum aestivum

Physical quality parameters of grains and functional and rheological properties of flours and dough prepared from eight newly released Indian wheat varieties of Triticum aestivum were analysed. Grain samples were evaluated for 1000 kernel weight, test weight, bulk density, equivalent diameter and hardness. Wheat flour samples were tested for protein content, ash content, sedimentation value, falling number value, solvent retention capacities and rheological properties including mixing and pasting characteristics. Significant differences were observed among the studied wheat varieties regarding the 1000 kernel weight (34.81-47.47 g) and test weight (79.25-83.99 kg/hl) indicating their high milling yield potential. The dry gluten content ranged from 7.0 to 9.3% suggesting the suitability of the selected varieties for biscuit making. All the flour samples exhibited high falling number values (365 to 485 s). The dough mixing properties derived from micro dough LAB differed significantly as a function of varie...