Umberto Anastasi

Effect of PEG-induced drought stress on seed germination of four lentil genotypes

Seeds of four lentil genotypes (Castelluccio, Eston, Pantelleria, and Ustica) were subjected to five levels (0, 10, 15, 18, and 21%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Germination percentage, root length, tissue water content (WC), α- and β-amylases, α-glucosidase activities, and osmolyte content were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h after starting the germination test. Water stress reduced seed germination percentage, root length, and seedling WC in all cultivars to different extent. The increase in proline content and total soluble sugars was greater for Eston and Castelluccio compared to the other genotypes. The activity of the enzymes involved in the germination process decreased in all cultivars; the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were most negatively affected by osmotic stress, mainly in the drought sensitive Ustica and Pantelleria. Overall, Eston and Castelluccio were able to express greater drought tolerance and consequently could be used as a valuable resource for breeding programs.

Volatile profiling of durum wheat kernels by HS–SPME/GC–MS

This work aimed at developing a HS–SPME/GC–MS method for the extraction and analysis of volatile compounds from the kernels of durum wheat. Fiber coating, temperature and time of extraction were evaluated. Moreover, the method was used as a tool for varietal characterization. The qualitative and semi-quantitative characterization of the volatile fraction of durum wheat kernels highlighted 11 different chemical classes, alcohols and aldehydes prevailing over acids, alkanes, aromatic and heterocyclic hydrocarbons. Concerning the comparison among the studied durum wheat kernel cultivars, Sculptur was the one with the highest amount and variability of volatile compounds. This cultivar stood out for the highest level of alkanes and ketones, while Anco Marzio contained higher levels of aldehydes and alkenes. The optimized method allowed for the qualitative and semi-quantitative characterization of the volatile fraction of durum wheat kernels, and it was effective at differentiating durum wheat cultivars based on their different volatile profiles, representing a potential tool for varietal selection and for the exploitation of specific durum wheat cultivars.