Environmental and genotypic influences on trace element and mineral concentrations in whole meal flour of einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. subsp. monococcum)

Trace elements (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) and minerals (Ca, Mg, P and K) concentrations were determined in whole meal flour of five einkorn accessions and one bread wheat cultivar, cropped in four different locations for two years. The major factors influencing mineral levels were year and genotype, as well as their interaction. Einkorn varieties exhibited higher Zn (7.18 ± 0.76 mg/100 g DM), Fe (5.23 ± 0.47), Mn (4.65 ± 0.23), Cu (0.90 ± 0.08), Mg (151.2 ± 9.00) and P (541.1 ± 35.37) concentration than bread wheat. Mg concentration correlated positively with that of other bivalent cations (Zn and Ca). The relevant amount of trace elements consistently found in einkorn further confirms the potential of this cereal in human nutrition, either by direct consumption or by introgression of superior alleles into enhanced polyploid wheat cultivars.

► Mineral contents were measured in five einkorns and one bread wheat.
► Influence of genotype, year and cropping location was assessed.
► Higher levels of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, P and Mg were found in einkorn.
► Einkorn lines are sources of high mineral content alleles for breeding programs.