Genotype and Environment Affect Phytosterol Content and Composition of Wheat
Chen, Y.; Dunford, N.T.; Edwards, J.; Carver, B.; Goad, C.
Cereal Chemistry 86(1): 96-99
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-0352 DOI: 10.1094/cchem-86-1-0096
Accession: 066218810
Phytosterols (PS) lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by as much 10-14% in normal and hypercholesteromic people. High LDL levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Wheat germ and bran contain significant amounts of PS. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of genotype and environment on PS content and composition in whole wheat grain. Protein and ash contents and mineral composition of the samples were also determined. Grain samples were collected from there cultivars. Jagger, Trego, and Intrada, grown at three locations. Alva, Balko, and Goodwell, OK in 2005. Irrigated and dryland samples were obtained from Goodwell. Total PS content and composition in the grain samples were determined using a gas chromatography system. Whole wheat grain samples varied in PS content from 202 mg/kg to 355 mg/kg. beta-Sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol were the major PS compounds found in all the samples. PS exhibited a significant location-by-cultivar random effect (P < 0.048), indicating the presence of genotyped-by-location interaction. Within each location, a significant cultivar effect was also observed. Protein and ash contents and mineral composition of the samples, except those collected form Goodwell-dryland, were within the range published in the literature for other wheat cultivars. A fundamental understanding of composition variation in wheat grain requires multi-environment testing of genotypes, pherhaps over several years. This study is a first step for achieving this goal.