Stable isotope ratio analysis in determining the geographical traceability of Indian wheat

- Wheat samples from neighboring states within the country were collected for study.
- Stable isotope ratios of both C and N of wheat samples were analyzed using IRMS.
- δ13C values showed good potential in discriminating wheat from different regions.
- δ15N was not helpful in differentiating wheat of different geographical origin.

Authentication of geographical origin of food has become indispensable because of the increased awareness of consumers and globalization of food market. A preliminary study was done to establish correlation between isotopic composition (δ13C, δ15N) and geographical origin of the wheat samples obtained from different regions of cultivation. Twenty samples of wheat were collected from adjoining states of India and their δ13C as well as δ15N values were determined using isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The mean δ13C values for different states ranged from −24.62% to −27.84% and were significantly different among the states at p < 0.05. Whereas, mean δ15N values of wheat varied from 1.32% to 3.80%. The difference in the δ15N values from different states were not significant at p < 0.05. So, δ15N values could not be considered for discriminating wheat of different origin. However, δ13C values showed good potential in differentiating wheat from different geographical origin.