Effects of phosphorus and zinc fertilizer on cadmium uptake and distribution in flax and durum wheat

Cadmium accumulation in crops presents a potential risk to human health. To understand the difference between dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous species in respect of Cd accumulation, and to develop fertilizer management practices to minimise Cd uptake, a growth chamber study was conducted to evaluate the interactive effects of Cd concentration in phosphate and Zn fertilizer on Cd uptake in flax (Linum usitatissimum L) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L). Cadmium concentration was higher in flax than durum wheat shoots. Cadmium concentration was lower and Zn concentration higher in the flax seed and durum wheat grain than in the root, shoot or straw of both species. These results suggest that flax has comparatively ineffective barriers discriminating against the transport of Cd from the root to the shoot via the xylem, and that both crops may restrict Cd translocation to the seed/grain via the phloem. Commercial grade monoammonium phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄) or triple superphosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂) produced higher seed Cd concentrations than did reagent grade P in flax but not in durum wheat. Application of P significantly decreased seed/grain Zn concentration and increased seed/grain Cd concentration. Zinc addition at 20 mg Zn kg^?1 soil with P decreased seed/grain Cd concentration (average 42.2% for flax, 65.4% for durum wheat), Cd accumulation (average 37.2% for flax, 62.4% for durum wheat) and Cd translocation to the seed/grain (average 20.0% for flax, 34.5% for durum wheat) in both crops. These results indicate that there is an antagonistic effect of Zn on Cd for root uptake and distribution within the plant. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of phosphate source,rate and cadmium content and use of Penicillium bilaii on phosphorus,zinc and cadmium concentration in durum wheat grain

Field studies were conducted over 3 years at several locations in Alberta and Manitoba, Canada to evaluate the impact of phosphate fertiliser containing varying concentrations of Cd on grain yield and P, Zn and Cd concentration in durum wheat grain. The effect of a seed treatment with Penicillium bilaii, a phosphate‐solubilising fungus, was also examined. P bilaii had little effect on crop yield, nutrient concentration or the concentration of Cd in the grain under the conditions of this study. Fertilisation with monoammonium phosphate consistently increased Cd concentration and Cd/Zn ratio and decreased Zn concentration in durum wheat. Increases in Cd concentration in durum wheat were unrelated to Cd concentration in the fertiliser, although the concentration of Cd in the fertiliser sources varied from 0.2 to 186.0 µg g^?1. Increased Cd concentration with phosphate application may be related to high ionic strength, reduced pH and enhanced root proliferation in the microregion around the fertiliser granules. Enhanced root development in response to phosphate fertilisation may increase the accumulation of Cd. Reduction in Zn accumulation associated with phosphate application may also contribute to the increase in Cd concentration in durum grain, possibly through enhancement of Cd translocation to the grain. While reduction in Cd concentration in phosphate fertilisers will reduce long‐term Cd accumulation in soils, use of low‐Cd fertiliser at commercially practical levels of fertilisation is unlikely to reduce Cd concentration in durum wheat in the year of application. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Immunochromatography for the rapid determination of cadmium concentrations in wheat grain and eggplant

BACKGROUND: A simple and quick on‐site test for trace levels of cadmium (Cd) in food is needed because of the human toxicity of this heavy metal. We developed an immunochromatography kit which uses the antigen‐antibody complex reaction between the Cd–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Cd–EDTA) complex and an anti‐Cd–EDTA antibody. We previously reported the successful use of this kit to determine Cd concentrations in brown rice with respect to the international standard: 0.4 mg kg^?1. Here, we measured, using this immunochromatography kit, Cd concentrations in crops with lower international standards than rice. RESULTS: Cadmium extracted with 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl from wheat grain and fresh eggplant was purified sufficiently using an ion‐exchange column treatment. Appropriate HCl extraction rates and dilution rates for the column eluate were selected; Cd concentrations in wheat grain and fresh eggplant were determined successfully by immunochromatography with respect to the international standards of 0.2 mg kg^?1 and 0.05 mg kg^?1 fresh weight, respectively. CONCLUSION: Approximate Cd concentrations in wheat grain and fresh eggplant can be monitored easily and quickly by this method at locations where facilities for acid digestion and precision analysis are not available. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of toasting time on the browning of sliced bread

Slices of wheat bread were toasted for different times until a distinct intensity of brown colour was reached. Two assays were carried out: prolonged toasting times (5–60 min) and reduced toasting times (0.5–5 min). The browning indicators (furosine, available lysine, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), colour and absorbance at 284 and 420 nm) were determined. The precision of all indicators used was high (CV < 4%). No furosine or HMF was detected in the dough before baking. The furosine content increased until 7 min (299 mg per 100 g protein) and then decreased to 2.9 mg per 100 g protein at 60 minutes. For the first toasting times (0.5, 1 and 2 min) the furosine content decreased slightly. Available lysine reached losses of 50% after 25 min of heating. The toasting of bread increased HMF values from 12 to 2025 mg kg^?1 for the assay at prolonged times of heating and from 1.3 to 4.2 mg kg^?1 at reduced times (0.5–5 min). The HMF content decreased (1000 mg kg^?1) when the sliced bread was toasted until it burnt. Colour (ΔE, 100 ? L*) and absorbance at 284 and 420 nm always increased. High linear correlations (r² > 0.860) were obtained between browning indicators and time (A₂₈₄/time, A₄₂₀/time, 100 ? L*/time and HMF/time). © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Accumulation and implications of cadmium,cobalt and manganese in soils and vegetables irrigated with city effluent

BACKGROUND: In most parts of Pakistan, untreated city effluent is utilised for growing vegetables around large urban settlements such as Faisalabad. Farmers use it as a source of irrigation water and plant nutrients. However, its continuous use may have serious environmental implications, since it also contains heavy metals. In this study the Faisalabad city effluent was examined for irrigation quality and its impact on irrigated soils and vegetables. RESULTS: Irrigation hazard of the effluent was moderate (electrical conductivity (EC) 1.1–1.7 dS m^?1, Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 5.9–17.4 mmol^1/2 L^?1/2, Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) 1.0–2.1 mmol_c L^?1) at site 1 and strong (EC 3.7–4.1 dS m^?1, SAR 16.1–21.8 mmol^1/2 L^?1/2, RSC 4.0–9.1 mmol_c L^?1) at site 2. Mean concentrations of ammonium bicarbonate/diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (AB/DTPA)‐extractable Cd, Co and Mn at upper soil depth (0.0–0.2 m) were respectively 0.080, 0.057 and 217.4 mg kg^?1 at site 1 and 0.101, 0.076 and 164.1 mg kg^?1 at site 2. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of Cd and Mn were above the permissible limits but that of Co was below the permissible limit for irrigation. The concentrations of Cd, Co and Mn tended to decrease with increasing soil depth. Accumulation of metals was higher in leaves irrespective of whether leaves were the edible or non‐edible component of shoots. Use of untreated city effluent for irrigation without risk assessment and management could be a serious hazard, impacting soil and crop quality and ultimately human health. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

The polypeptide composition,structural properties and antioxidant capacity of gluten proteins of diverse bread and durum wheat varieties,and their relationship to the rheological performance of dough

The aim of this study was to compare five bread and five durum wheat genotypes for gliadins and glutenins profiles, the concentration of free sulphhydryl groups and disulphide bonds, antioxidant capacity of gluten proteins and their bread‐making performance. On average, bread wheat had significantly higher concentration of total sulphur‐rich (S‐rich) and sulphur‐poor (S‐poor) subunits of gliadins, as well as total low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) subunits of glutenins than durum wheat. However, durum wheat had higher concentration of S‐rich γ‐gliadins and S‐poor D‐LMW‐glutenins, but did not possess S‐poor ω‐gliadins. The concentration of disulphide bonds and total cysteine was higher in the durum gluten than that in the bread gluten, as well as antioxidant capacity (on average 90.6 vs. 85.9 mmol Trolox Eq kg^?1, respectively). In contrast to the bread wheat, the concentration of HMW‐glutenins was negatively associated with extensibility, as well as resistance to extension in durum wheat flour dough.     

Effect of phenolic acids on the rheological properties and proteins of hard wheat flour dough and bread

BACKGROUND: The effects of different phenolic acids on the rheological properties and gluten proteins of hard wheat flour dough and bread were investigated. Caffeic, ferulic, syringic and gallic acids were each blended with hard wheat flour at a concentration of 4.44 µmol L^?1 g^?1 flour. RESULTS: Mixing time and tolerance were reduced with the addition of phenolic acids. The phenolic acids reduced the maximum resistance to extension (R_max) and increased the extensibility of dough, with effects in the following order: gallic < syringic < ferulic < caffeic acid. The effect on R_max was more pronounced in overmixed dough. Loaf volume was most significantly decreased with the addition of caffeic acid. Extraction of sodium dodecyl sulfate‐soluble high‐molecular‐weight proteins was increased in both mixed and fermented doughs by the addition of ferulic and caffeic acids. The order of influence of the phenolic acids on the rheological properties and protein structure of dough and bread was consistent with that of their antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: The addition of caffeic and ferulic acids reduced R_max and increased the extensibility of hard wheat flour dough by modifying the high‐molecular‐weight gluten, which resulted in decreased bread volume. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fermentation characteristics of corn‐, triticale‐, and wheat‐based dried distillers' grains with solubles in barley‐based diets determined using continuous and batch culture systems

BACKGROUND: Dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) are becoming increasingly available and popular as an alternative livestock feed. This study used continuous and batch culture techniques to compare the in vitro fermentation characteristics of diets containing corn‐, triticale‐ or wheat‐based DDGS at 200 g kg^?1 diet dry matter (DM) against a barley grain‐based control diet. RESULTS: In continuous fermentation of wheat DDGS diet, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was decreased by 15.7% across sampling times and NH₃ concentration was quadrupled compared with control, whereas fermentations of corn‐ and triticale‐DDGS diets were similar to the barley‐based control. In batch cultures, corn DDGS differed from control only in increased culture pH. Compared with control diet, triticale DDGS yielded lower total gas production (140.94 versus 148.78 mL g^?1 DM) and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD; 0.509 versus 0.535). Wheat DDGS diet yielded decreased total gas production (123.49 mL g^?1 DM) and IVDMD (0.468), as well as total VFA production (105.84 versus 134.20 mmol L^?1) and substantially increased ammonia concentration (151.61 versus 58.34 mg L^?1) and acetate:propionate ratio (2.94 versus 1.11). CONCLUSION: Corn‐ and triticale‐ DDGS diets exhibited fermentation characteristics similar to the barley based control diet, consistent with in vivo findings that these diets yielded no adverse effects on production. In vitro ruminal fermentation of wheat DDGS diet differed significantly from control in several aspects including 2.6 to 6X higher ammonia concentrations. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd     

Evidence of low selenium concentrations in UK bread‐making wheat grain

The selenium concentration of representative bread‐making wheat (Triticum aestivum L) samples was measured in national grain surveys collected in 1982 (n (number of samples) = 180), 1992 (n = 187) and 1998 (n = 85) from major wheat‐growing regions around the UK. The means and distributions of selenium concentrations over the three years were similar, with mean grain concentrations of 0.025, 0.033 and 0.025 mg kg^?1 dry weight respectively and inter‐quartile ranges varying from 0.015 mg kg^?1 in 1982 to 0.019 mg kg^?1 in 1992 samples. No long‐term changes in the distribution of wheat selenium concentrations were found over the 17 year period. Geographical mapping of the concentrations identified an area of eastern England as having high grain concentrations compared with other UK regions. There were no significant correlations between grain selenium and grain sulphur concentrations for the national survey samples. However, at an individual field experimental site, increasing the rate of sulphur addition was found to decrease grain selenium concentration significantly. The daily UK dietary contribution of selenium from wheat‐based products was estimated and the daily intake was calculated to be 6.4 µg selenium, around one‐tenth of the UK recommended intake values for men and women. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Low‐field NMR: A tool for studying protein aggregation

Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin–spin relaxation (T₂) measurements were used to study the denaturation and aggregation of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG) solutions of varying concentrations (1–80 g L^?1) as they were heated at temperatures ranging from ambient up to 90 °C. For concentrations of 1–10 g L^?1, the T₂ of β‐LG solutions did not change, even after heating to 90 °C. A decrease in T₂ was only observed when solutions having higher concentrations (20–80 g L^?1) were heated. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and fluorescence tests using the dye 1‐anilino‐8‐naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) on 0.2 and 1 g L^?1 solutions, respectively, indicated there were changes in the protein's secondary and tertiary conformations when the β‐LG solutions reached 70 °C and above. In addition, dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that protein aggregation occurred only at concentrations above 10 g L^?1 and for heating at 70 °C and above. The hydrodynamic radius increased as T₂ decreased. When excess 2‐mercaptoethanol was added, the changes in both T₂ and the hydrodynamic radius followed the same trend for all β‐LG protein concentrations between 1 and 40 g L^?1. These observations led to the conclusion that the changes in T₂ were due to protein aggregation, not protein unfolding. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of gaseous ozone treatments on DON,microbial contaminants and technological parameters of wheat and semolina

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is an important mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium. It occurs often in wheat grain and is frequently associated with significant levels of its modified form DON-3-glucoside (DON-3-Glc). Ozone (O₃) is a powerful disinfectant and oxidant, classified as GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe), that reacts easily with specific compounds including the mycotoxins aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes and zearalenone. It degrades DON in aqueous solution and can be effective for decontamination of grain. This study reports the efficacy of gaseous ozone treatments in reducing DON, DON-3-Glc, bacteria, fungi and yeasts in naturally contaminated durum wheat. A prototype was used to dispense ozone continuously and homogeneously at different concentrations and exposure time, in 2 kg aliquots of durum wheat. The optimal conditions, which do not affect chemical and rheological parameters of durum wheat, semolina and pasta, were identified (55 g O₃ h^?1 for 6 h). The measured mean reductions of DON and DON-3-Glc in ozonated wheat were 29% and 44%, respectively. Ozonation also produced a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of total count (CFU/g) of bacteria, fungi and yeasts in wheat grains.     

Effect of flaxseed and wheat flour blends on dough rheology and bread quality

The rheological and baking properties of flaxseed/wheat composite flours were studied. Flaxseed flour was used to replace 50, 100, 150 and 200 g kg^?1 of wheat flour in bread. Farinographic studies showed that water absorption, dough development time and mixing tolerance index increased as the amount of flaxseed flour increased, while dough stability decreased at 100, 150 and 200 g kg^?1 of flaxseed flour substitution. The extensographic energy of dough also decreased at 150 and 200 g kg^?1 flaxseed levels. The addition of increasing amounts of flaxseed flour caused a decrease in extensibility. Doughs containing 100, 150 and 200 g kg^?1 flaxseed flour showed resistance to extension comparable to that of control dough. The specific volume of flaxseed flour breads was similar to that of control bread. Crust L, a, b values of breads with flaxseed flour were lower than those of control bread. Breads with flaxseed flour gave lower crumb L and b values and higher a values than control bread. The sensory properties showed that an acceptable bread could be produced using flaxseed flour up to a level of 200 g kg^?1. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Potential of aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus strains on commercially important food grains

In this study, we investigated the potential of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB1) production by five Aspergillus flavus strains previously isolated from sorghum grains on cereals (barley, maize, rice, wheat and sorghum), oilseeds (peanuts and sesame) and pulses (greengram and horsegram). Five strains of A. flavus were inoculated on all food grains and incubated at 25 °C for 7 days; AFB1 was extracted and estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. All A. flavus strains produced AFB1 on all food grains ranging from 245.4 to 15 645.2 μg kg^?1. Of the five strains tested, strain Af 003 produced the highest amount of AFB1 on all commodities ranging from 2245.2 to 15 645.2 μg kg^?1. Comparatively, the AFB1 accumulation was high on rice grains ranging from 3125.2 to 15 645.2 μg kg^?1, followed by peanuts ranging from 2206.2 to 12 466.5 μg kg^?1. Less AFB1 accumulation was observed in greengram and sesame seeds ranging from 645.8 to 2245.2 and 245.4 to 2890.6 μg kg^?1, respectively. Our results showed that all food grains tested are susceptible to A. flavus growth and subsequent AFB1 production.     

Stability of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) during the production of flour-based foods and wheat flake cereal

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin found in cereal grains and cereal-based foods. DON concentrations in finished products are reduced under some processing conditions, but not others. DON concentrations in flour, wheat and selected foods made from them under commercially relevant conditions were compared by GC with electron capture detection. Average concentrations (n?=?9/item) in cookies, crackers and pretzels ranged from 61% (cookies) to 111% (pretzels) compared with flour (100%?=?0.46?µg?g^?1). Lesser amounts were found in donuts and bread: their respective DON concentrations were 44% and 30% that of flour. Mass balance estimates for DON (µg?g^?1 flour equivalents) ranged from 50% (bread?=?0.23?µg?g^?1 flour equivalents) to 120% (donuts), indicating that dilution by recipe ingredients contributed to DON reductions in bread and accounted for all of the apparent reduction in donuts. Mass balance estimates averaged 76% (crackers) to 107% (pretzels) for the other flour products. DON concentrations were higher in cereal flakes (0.55?µg?g^?1 in the finished product and 0.58?µg?g^?1 on a mass balance basis) than in wheat (0.40?µg?g^?1), suggesting that DON concentrations might increase during processing of wheat cereals under some conditions. In summary, DON concentrations of finished food products were reduced?≥50% only in bread and donuts. Reduction in bread resulted from a combination of DON ‘loss’ and dilution by recipe ingredients whereas the reduction in donuts was due entirely to dilution. These results are further evidence of DON stability during the preparation of popular flour or wheat-based products.     

Nutritional and quality aspects of wheat sourdough bread using L. luteus and L. angustifolius flours fermented by Pedioccocus acidilactici

Lupine has the potential to be a new domestic source of vegetable protein due to its comparable quality to the commonly used soy proteins. However, the bioprocessing that take place in the production of wheat bread with non‐conventional flours could play an important role. The wholemeal Lupinus angustifolius and Lupinus luteus flours were fermented by bacteriocin‐producing strain of Pediococcus acidilactici. The effect of lupine flour supplementation on wheat bread quality, sensory and safety criteria was studied. The lupine additives significantly decreased the quality of bread. The fermented L. luteus flour (10% of flour basis) had a slightly higher positive effect on the specific volume and crumb porosity (5.4%) and lowering of crumb hardness (9.5%) than those of L. angustifolius. In contrary, consumers rated higher for bread with L. angustifolius sourdough, which contributed to a stronger taste score. The levels of tyramine, histamine and putrescine (32.6–215.8, 20.8–96.7 and 33.7–195.2 mg kg^?1, respectively) do not present a health risk for consumers due to their relatively low levels in lupine fermented products. Bioprocessing used for wheat bread production with lupine flour additives could improve the nutritional profile of bread without increasing the risk of biogenic amine formation.     

Physicochemical Properties of Wheat Gluten Proteins Modified by Protease From Sierra (Scomberomorus sierra) Fish

The effect of semi-purified trypsin on the physicochemical properties of durum and bread wheat flour and gluten protein fractions was evaluated. Trypsin was partially isolated from sierra (Scomberomorus sierra) guts extracts by affinity chromatography. Treatment with enzyme caused hydrolysis of 1.16–1.40% in both durum and bread wheat gluten and gluten fractions. The effect of hydrolysis on the isoelectric point was more evident in durum that bread wheat gluten. Addition of the trypsin-like enzyme at three different concentrations induced a decrease in the gluten index. The dough consistency fell after 1.5 h of incubation. It was possible to modify wheat flour proteins by varying S. sierra trypsin-like enzyme concentration and incubation time, depending on the wheat species.     

EFFECT OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ON SOUR CHERRY ANTHOCYANINS

Degradation of sour cherry anthocyanins was studied at different H₂O₂ concentrations (0.233‐11.63 mmol.L^?1) over the temperature range of 20‐55C. Degradation reaction fitted to a first order kinetic model progressed very rapidly even at low H₂O₂ concentrations. Thus, the t_1/2 values at 20C varied between 111‐20 h in the concentration range of 0.233‐2.327 mmol.L^?1 H₂O₂. The degradation of anthocyanins occurred at a faster rate with increasing temperature at 5.82 and 11.63 mmol.L^?1 H₂O₂ concentrations. Between 25‐55C, activation energies (E_a) were 9.53 and 10.60 kcal.mol^?1 for 5.82 and 11.63 mmol.L^?1 H₂O₂ concentrations, respectively. Higher E_a value at 11.63 mmol.L^?1 H₂O₂ concentration indicated that the effect of temperature increased at higher H₂O₂ concentrations. A quadratic relationship (y = ‐0.0031x²+ 0.0218x + 0.0008, R²= 0.996) was found between the degradation rates at 20C and H₂O₂ concentrations of 0.233‐2.327 mmol.L^?1. According to this equation, k of 1.12 × 10^?3 h^?1 and t_1/2 of 26 days at 20C may be expected at 0.5 ppm (0.0147 mmol.L^?1) H₂O₂ concentration, i.e., the max. allowable H₂O₂ level by FDA in the finished food packages.     

Occurrence of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines in Asian beers sold in French markets

Fifty‐one samples of 17 Asian beer brands commercially available in France were analysed for the occurrence of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines, including ethanolamine, histamine, methylamine, ethylamine, tyramine, tryptamine, 2‐phenylethylamine, putrescine, isopenthylamine and cadaverine. The types and levels of biogenic amines varied from one brand to another. None of the ochratoxin A or biogenic amine contaminants in the Asian beer samples exceeded the recommended levels for safe consumption. Ochratoxin A was found to range from n.d. to 0.175 µg L^?1. Biogenic amines were detected in all samples at a level ranging from 6.15 to 47.30 mg L^?1. Isoamylamine was not detected in any of the beers. Ethanolamine, tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine were the most abundant of the nine biogenic amines found in this study. The concentrations were 2.75–12.88 mg L^?1 for ethanolamine, 0.58–17.37 mg L^?1 for tyramine, 1.54‐9.78 mg L^?1 for putrescine and 0.31–11.39 mg L^?1 for cadaverine. The work revealed significant, strong correlations (p < 0.01) between concentrations of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines, especially tyramine, tryptamine and cadaverine. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

A comparison of contents of group A and B trichothecenes and microbial counts in different cereal species

Concentrations of trichothecenes and the amounts of microbial biomass were compared in grain of bread wheat, durum wheat, triticale, rye, oat and barley. Grain samples came from lines regionalised in Poland grown under identical climatic and agricultural conditions in 2007. Among the six analysed cereals, the highest mean concentration of toxic metabolites of 151.89?µg/kg was found for grain of Triticum durum, whereas the lowest was for barley grain (25.56?µg/kg). The highest contamination with microscopic fungi was recorded in case of barley and rice grain (mean concentrations of ergosterol were 12.53?mg/kg and 11.24?mg/kg, respectively). In case of the analysed cereals, the total microbial biomass expressed in the amount of ATP turned out to be the highest (4.7?×?10⁵ relative light units [RLU]) for rye and oat (3.2?×?10⁵ RLU). The results of the applied classical discrimination analysis indicate a significant diversification of species in terms of all the 11 analysed metabolites.     

Mycorrhizal colonization and grain Cd concentration of field‐grown durum wheat in response to tillage,preceding crop and phosphorus fertilization

BACKGROUND: A 3‐year field trial was conducted to investigate the effect of agricultural management practices including tillage, preceding crop and phosphate fertilization on root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and grain cadmium (Cd) concentration of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.). The relationship between grain Cd and soil and plant variables was explored to determine the primary factors affecting grain Cd concentration. RESULTS: Mycorrhizal colonization of the roots was reduced by conventional tillage or when the preceding crop was canola (Brassica napus L.), compared to minimum tillage or when the preceding crop was flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). In contrast, grain Cd was not consistently affected by any treatment. Grain Cd was generally below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of 100 µg Cd kg^?1 proposed by WHO. Grain Cd varied substantially from year to year, and could be predicted with 70% of variance accounted for by using the model: grain Cd concentration = ? 321.9 + 44.5× ln(grain yield) + 0.26× soil DTPA‐Cd + 182.5× soil electrical conductivity (EC)? 0.98× grain Zn concentration. CONCLUSIONS: These common agricultural management practices had no effect on grain Cd concentration in durum wheat though they impacted mycorrhizal colonization of roots. Grain yield and to a lesser extent soil conditions of EC and DTPA‐Cd and grain Zn influenced grain Cd, whereas mycorrhizal colonization levels did not. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd