USE OF FRICTION DEBRANNING TO EVALUATE ASH DISTRIBUTION IN ITALIAN DURUM-WHEAT CULTIVARS

A new method to evaluate ash distribution patterns in durum wheat is p roposed. Durum wheat samples (198) collected during two years from thr ee locations in southern Italy were debranned by a friction debranning machine (Satake) at five successive time intervals (level(1,2,3,4,5)) . Ash content of debranned samples (DAL(1,2,3,4,5)) and of whole kerne l (WKA) was determined. Calculations indicated the percentage of ash r emoval (RAL) from the WKA after each debranning level. The weight of t he material removed (WMR) during each debranning stage was also calcul ated. Statistical analysis showed the significant effect of debranning levels, years, locations, and cultivars. Differences among cultivars for ash distributions and WMR were noted. No association between DAL a nd WMR was found, showing that DAL could be a suitable measure of kern el ash gradient. In general, a diminishing ash trend was observed as d ebranning level increased. Almost all of the correlation coefficients between WKA and DAL(1,2,3,4,5) were high, both in general and for each cultivar. In general they were significant, showing DAL(1) as the mos t correlated.