preprints.org > biology and life sciences > agricultural science and agronomy > doi: 10.20944/preprints202312.1325.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 15 December 2023 / Approved: 18 December 2023 / Online: 18 December 2023 (10:57:46 CET)

In this study, an analysis was conducted on 16 durum wheat genotypes cultivated under seven different crop management systems. The purpose was to investigate the influence of Genotype (G), Environment (E), and Genotype by Environment interactions (GxE) on the content of total free phenolic compounds (TPC) and the antioxidant capacity (AC) of durum wheat in Mediterranean environments and identify their adaptability in climatic change. Additionally, possible correlations between TPC and AC with protein content (PC), and vitreous-kernel percentage (VKP) of the samples were examined. The results indicated significant impacts from E, G, and GxE on both TPC and AC. Among the E, the mean values for TPC, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP values were recorded at 48.8 mg TE/100 g dw, 121.3 mg TE/100 g dw, 23.0 mg TE/100 g dw, and 88.4 mg TE/100 g dw, respectively. Environments subjected to splitting topdressing N fertilization consistently showed low values, while the late sowing ones possessed high values. The Organic environment maintained a stable position in the middle across all measurements. The predominant influence was attributed to GxE, as indicated by the order GxE >E>G for ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP while for TPC was E>GxE>G. A comprehensive exploration of GxE interaction holds the potential to improve the total free phenolics content and antioxidant capacity of durum wheat within wheat farming systems. Achieving this enhancement involves the meticulous selection of cultivars that not only display high values but also exhibit stability across diverse conditions. Noteworthy genotypes for TPC include G5, G7 and G10, for ABTS include G3, G5 and G7, and for protein include G1, G9, and G16. G7 and G5 had high presence of frequency with G7 being the closest genotype to the ideal for both TPC and ABTS. These results suggest that the cultivation period as well as the nitrogen fertilization and its application method have a significant impact on the various antioxidant properties of durum wheat. This study holds significant importance as it represents the first comprehensive exploration of the impact of various E on the TPC and AC in durum wheat, with a special emphasis on the crop management. Notably, the significance of several statistical tools is also highlighted, such as the GGE biplot, Pi, and KR, in identifying superior genotypes, with the GGE biplot being highly valuable since it offers a visual representation of the study's outcomes.

Cultivars, antioxidant properties; phenolic compounds; protein, GGE biplot; stability indices; cultivation practices; adaptation to climate change

Biology and Life Sciences, Agricultural Science and Agronomy

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