Influence of genotype and environment on the content of 5-n alkylresorcinols, total phenols and on the antiradical activity of whole durum wheat grains

The 5-n-alkylresorcinol (AR) contents of thirty different cultivars of durum wheat grown in two years (2009 and 2010) in two Italian locations were determined and related to the total soluble phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity (AA). On average, AR and TPC ranged from 161.3 to 405.8 μg/g (dry matter, DM) and from 19.0 to 192.4 μg/g (DM), respectively. AA (EC50 values) ranged from 70.9 to 289.2 mg of dry whole milled wheat grain (DM). The results showed that the environment (E) and the genotype (G), as well as their interactions (G × E), significantly influenced the phytochemical profiles of the samples. The contribution of G × E to the total variance was much lower than that due to the separate effects (G and E). Principal component analysis identified genotypes that were richer in ARs and more stable across environments. There were significant negative correlations between ARs and TPC (p < 0.05) and between TPC and AA (p < 0.01), but not between ARs and AA. Graphical representation was efficient in summarizing the overall antiradical profiles of the durum wheat grain in each environment.

► This paper focuses on specific bioactive components of durum wheat whole grain.
► Correspondence analysis was able to summarize the influence of E on phytochemical profile of wheat.
► Significant E and G effects were found for all analyzed traits.
► G × E contribution to the total variance was much lower than that due to E and G.