State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute Research Articles

Protein, Amino Acid and Gluten Content in Oat (Avena Sativa L.) Grown in Latvia

Abstract The rising attention globally on the use of oats and the beneficial effect of oat compounds in nutrition has also increased interest in oat production in Latvia. The aim of this study was to evaluate protein, amino acid and gluten content in husked and hulless oat grains grown in organic and conventional farming systems. Two hulless oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes - the breeding line '33793' and the variety 'Stendes Emilija' and one husked oat variety 'Lizete' from the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute - were cultivated in 2013 under conventional farming methods using three nitrogen (N) application rates (80, 120, and 160 kg·ha-1) and under organic farming. Protein content was determined by Kjeldahl method, amino acid composition by high-performance liquid chromatography method using Waters AccQ Tag, and gluten content by Sandwich R5 ELISA. The results showed that oat genotype had significant effect p < 0.001) on protein and gluten content, as well as on amino acid composition. The applied amount of fertiliser did not have significant effect on the studied quality parameters, but the growing system did (p < 0.001). Higher content of protein was observed in hulless oat samples, compared to that in husked oat samples. There was also a significant difference (p = 0.01) in the total amount of amino acids between husked and hulless oat samples. In hulless oat variety 'Stendes Emilija' and hulless breeding line '33793' the content of gluten was similar and two times higher than in the husked oat variety 'Lizete'. Further breeding work is necessary to obtain oats with a lower content of gluten-like proteins.

Influence of Nitrogen Application Rate and Meteorological Conditions on β-Glucan Content in Naked and Husked Oat Grain

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of applied nitrogen fertilizer rate on β-glucan content in oat (Avena sativa L.) grains. The study was carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute from 2011 to 2014. Three nitrogen surface fertiliser treatments (80, 120 and 160 kg·ha-1) were applied on one husked oat (variety 'Lizete') and two naked oat genotypes (breeding lines 'S-156' and '33793'). The content of β-glucan in naked oat genotypes was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in the husked genotype. The difference in β-glucan content between the naked breeding lines was not significant (p > 0.05). Significant (p < 0.05) differences in β-glucan content were observed between nitrogen treatments only for husked oat genotype 'Lizete'. Effect of growing season on β-glucan content was significant (p < 0.05) for both (naked and husked) oat genotypes. β-glucan content of naked oat breeding lines ('S-156' and '33793') was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 2011 comparing with 2012 and 2013, due to differences in precipitation during the grain filling period.

SUITABILITY OF SPRING CEREALS FOR PRODUCTION OF HEAT ENERGY

In future biomass are planned as main source as renewable energy. The grain and straw are as one of the representatives of biomass. During 2007 - 2008 in the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute the investigations were carried out to define more accurately spring cereal–wheat, barley and oats for heat production. In the field experiment were sown 4 - 6 varieties from each species. The yield, chemical composition, the highest and lowest heating capacity of grain and straw were evaluated. The highest heating capacity for grain was 15475 - 16994 and the lowest – 13828 - 15356 kJ kg-1; in straw – 15788 - 16840 and 14106 - 15230 kJ kg-1respectively. Accordingly to this value the cereal species arranged in the following order: oats, barley and wheat. The varieties of cereal were differed in heating capacity depending on chemical composition. Significant positive correlation was observed between grain heating capacity and fat (r = 0.993; r0.01 = 0.684), and fiber (r= 0.838; r0.01 = 0.684), but significant negative correlation with starch (r = - 0.847; r0.01 = 0.684).

INFLUENCE OF FARMING SYSTEM, NITROGEN RATES AND METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON NAKED OAT IN LATVIA

Research and development related to the naked oat is now becoming more wide-spread as the opportunity for its different uses is understood also in Latvia. It has been recognized as a more valuable product in the food industry because both the interest of consumers in their health and the promotion of food products are increasing. Naked oat kernels contain high levels of β-glucans and unsaturated fatty acids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the yield and oat grain quality of naked oat breeding lines from Latvian oat breeding program. The following parameters were assessed grain yield, 1000 grain weight, test weight, crude protein fat and β-glucan. The research assessed the variability of these parameters in organic and conventional farming system (at three different mineral fertilizer rates: N80, N120, N160). The field experiments were carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute during three years (20112013). Results showed that the higher N fertilizer rate positively affects the amount of the crude protein and β-glucan in naked oat grains. The farming system (η 2 =42.9 %) and testing year/meteorological condition of years (η 2 =35.9 %) had a greater impact on naked oat yield. Comparing only N80, N120 and N160 variants in conventional system it was observed that during the three year period the meteorological conditions had the greatest impact on the yield of naked oat (η 2 =86.6 %). Naked oat line ‘S-156’ gave the highest grain yield in conventional and organic farming systems and formed significantly higher crude protein, fat and β-glucan amounts in the grain.

Characterisation of Hulled Oat Grain Physical and Biochemical Parameters Significant for Dietary Products/ Plçkðòaino Auzu Graudu Raksturojums Pçc Diçtisku Produktu Raþoðanai Nozîmîgâm Fizikâlâm Un Íîmiskâm Pazîmçm

Abstract The objectives of the study were to investigate the variability of oat (Avena sativa L.) grain physical traits and chemical composition and to determine relationships between traits. Field experiments including five hulled oat genotypes were carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute for two seasons during 2010-2011. Variation of traits was mainly determined by genotype (ω2 = 53 - 88%), with the min/max values for 1000 kernel weight 32.4/36.5 g, test weight 470.0/507.9 g·L-1, hull content 215.4/265.6 g·kg-1, crude protein 110.0/124.9 g·kg-1, starch 456.9/483.0 g·kg-1, β-glucans 28.1/36.6 g·kg-1 and crude fat 46.2/60.0 g·kg-1. Oat variety ‘Arta’ had the highest test weight (507 g·L-1) and contents of crude protein (124.9 g·kg-1), β-glucans (36.5 g·kg-1), α-tocopherol (7.8 mg·kg-1), average crude fat (55.5 g·kg-1) and total phenolics (113.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/GAE 100 g-1 DM) in the grain. Expression of traits significantly depended on meteorological conditions in the specific year. In both years of investigation there were significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations between contents of β-glucans and crude fat, and negative correlation of β-glucans with starch content, total phenolics and antiradical scavenging activity.

Characterisation of Physical and Biochemical Traits of Hulless Spring Barley Grain in the Latvian Breeding Programme

Abstract Incorporation of whole grain, such as hulless barley, as a part of a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases, diabetes and specific cancers, and provide other health benefits as well. The objectives of this study were to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of grains of hulless barley genotypes from the Latvian spring barley programme. Field experiments were carried out in 2010-2011 at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute. Grain samples of 29 hulless spring barley breeding lines were analysed for grain physical traits (1000 kernel weight, test weight), macronutrients (crude protein, starch, β -glucans), and micronutrients (total phenolic content, DPPH antiradical scavenging activity and α-tocopherol content). The variation of physical traits and macronutrients was mainly determined by genotype (ω2 = 32-62%) and year (η2 = 8-42%) and to a lesser extent by interaction of factors. The difference between hulless genotypes, as indicated the coefficient of variation, was rather high for all micronutrients (V% = 13.4-25.6). Significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation was detected between radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content (r = 0.519) and starch content (r = 0.530). The best hulless breeding lines ‘1185’ and ‘IC 360’ (variety ‘Kornelija’ submitted for DUS and VCU tests) were selected for future usage in clinical investigations.

Yield and Grain Quality of Hulless Spring Barley in Field Trials Under Different Nitrogen Management Conditions

The aim of the study was to evaluate the yield and grain quality (1000 kernel weight, test weight, crude protein, starch, β-glucans, total phenolic content, antiradical scavenging activity and α-tocopherol content) variation of three hulless spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes under different levels of N, in relation to weather characteristics. The field experiments were carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute. Three hulless barley genotypes ‘Kornelija’; ‘ST 1165’; ST 1185’ were studied during two years (2011 and 2012) using three levels of nitrogen (N80; N80+40; N80+80) by split application at the end of the tillering stage. The effects of genotype, N treatment and genotype by N treatment interaction contribute the variation in yield and grain quality traits for hulless barley genotypes. There were considerable differences between crop years in response of hulless genotypes to top-dressing N, with significantly (P < 0.05) higher grain yield, 1000 kernel weight, test weight, starch and β-glucans in the growing season of 2012, when rainfall was optimal at the tillering and stem-elongation growth stages. In 2012, a significant (P < 0.05) response to top-dressing N was recorded for grain yield and 1000 kernel weight (at rate N120), crude protein, starch and β-glucans (at rate N160). The maximum values of total phenolic content, antiradical scavenging activity (in 2011) and -tocopherol content (in 2012) were obtained with application of 160 kg N ha-1. Hulless line ‘1185’ gave the highest grain yield, starch, α-tocopherol content and radical scavenging activity, but variety ‘Kornelija’ formed significantly higher TKW, crude protein and β-glucans content.

Pre-Breeding Collaboration in the Nordic-Baltic Region

A Nordic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Pre-breeding is in place since 2011. Its establishment and scope is presented. Also Baltic plant breeding can participate in the PPP. At a workshop in connection to the 75th anniversary of State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute the first steps were taken in the development of a Concept note for the continued development of the PPP for pre-breeding collaboration in the Nordic-Baltic region. The need for strong prioritisation among efforts to be presented was emphasised in the workshop

State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute: From the Origins to the Present

State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute: From the Origins to the Present Agricultural science is closely linked to circumstances and specific features of development in each region. The State Stende Breeding Station, the first breeding station in independent Latvia, was founded ninety years ago with a goal to raise agricultural production in the country. The Stende Breeding Station was engaged in selection of crop varieties suitable for Latvian conditions, providing farmers with high-quality seeds and knowledge on the cultivation of these varieties. During the years of its existence, the station has witnessed changes in political power, underwent different forms of management and operated under various names. A number of outstanding scientists and agronomists have worked at Stende, including J. Lielmanis, E. Bērziņš, J. Garbars, N. Konrāds, R. Kude, I. Celma, I. Belicka, M. Gruntiņa and others, who have devoted their entire working lives to agricultural science and breeding. In 2006, the agricultural science centre of Stende was transformed into the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute. Breeding traditions, and cooperation with Latvian farmers, as well as accumulation of knowledge and experience of several generations of scholars is a frame for the existence of the Stende's institute. The most important contribution of Stende's breeders is 65 newly developed varieties of fifteen crop species. Today, the barley variety ‘Abava’, the winter wheat ‘Fredis’ and the spring wheat ‘Uffo’ are well known, not only in Latvia, but also abroad. The achievements of Stende's scientists have gained great appreciation from practicing farmers and agricultural policy makers.

Development of new winter and spring wheat varieties in Latvia

Development of new winter and spring wheat varieties in Latvia The newest wheat varieties developed at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute are winter wheat ‘Fredis’ and spring wheat ‘Uffo‘ and ‘Robijs‘. The winter wheat variety ‘Fredis‘ (‘Donskaya Polukarlikovaya‘/‘Abe‘//‘Lowrin 24‘) was developed from 1986 to 2002. The variety has good winter hardiness (7-9 points), earliness (growing period 212-215 days from 1 January), and average yield is 6.0 t ha -1. Grain quality is suitable mostly for food. The variety was registered in the Latvian Plant Catalogue in 2007 and in the Estonian Plant Catalogue in 2011. In the period from 1992 to 2007, the new spring wheat variety ‘Uffo‘ (Sigma/Eta) was created. Variety ‘Uffo‘ is a mid-early variety, with yield potential 6-8 t ha-1, and moderate lodging resistance (5-7 points). Grain quality is suitable for food and feed. The variety ‘Uffo‘ was included in the Latvian Plant Catalogue in 2008 and in the Estonian Plant Catalogue in 2009. The spring wheat variety ‘Robijs‘, obtained from the crossing combinations Dragon/Anninia//Fasan//Fasan by anther culture, was developed at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute in collaboration with the Institute of Biology Latvian University from 2000 to 2007. The variety is a middle-early wheat, and is characteriszed by high yield potential (6-8 t ha-1), moderate resistance to lodging (7 points). It has moderate resistance to powdery mildew (3-5 point) and brown rust (10-25%). The grain quality is suitable for food. The variety was included in the Latvian Plant Catalogue in 2011.

Variability in α-tocopherol concentration of husked and naked oat genotypes

Variability in α-tocopherol concentration of husked and naked oat genotypes Oat (Avena sativa L.) is recognised as a healthy food in the world. Oat contains significant amounts of fat-soluble vitamin E (α-tocopherol), a substance with high antioxidant activity. The main tasks of this study were to characterise the variability of α-tocopherol concentration of oat varieties and breeding lines bred in Latvia and foreign countries. Field trials were carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute in 2007 and 2008. Sixty four oat genotypes (52 husked and 12 naked) were tested for α-tocopherol using high-performance liquid-chromatography. The obtained results showed a wide range of α-tocopherol concentration among both husked and naked oat genotypes. The α-tocopherol concentration in husked oat varieties and lines varied from 3.2 to 8.4 mg kg-1and for naked oat from 5.5 to 8.8 mg kg-1. The wide range of α-tocopherol concentration in oat grown in Latvia showed that there is wide choice of material for breeding programmes and that further research should be carried out in future.

Variation of spring barley agronomic traits significant for adaption to climate change in latvian breeding programmes

Variation of spring barley agronomic traits significant for adaption to climate change in latvian breeding programmes Breeding programmes have been recently challenged by climate change. Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield, phenological traits (days to heading, length of filling period and days to maturity) and resistance to powdery mildew and net blotch, which are influenced by the rising temperature and precipitation, along with threshability in hulless, were evaluated and their genetic and environmental variability were determined. One hundred and ninety spring barley genotypes were studied, including 129 hulless genotypes and 61 hulled genotypes. The genotypes were grown in the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute and State Priekuļi Plant Breeding Institute for three seasons during 2007-2009. Broad-sense heritability estimated on the basis of genotypical and phenotypical variances for all traits of hulled barley varied from 31 to 98, and 42 to 98% for hulless barley. For both types of barley the highest heritability was observed for days to heading, filling period and days to maturity. Despite the relatively high estimated heritability for all traits, nevertheless, location, year and interaction of genotype and environment were also been significant for all traits.