OPTIMIZATION OF GERMINATION CONDITIONS BY RESPONSE-SURFACE METHODOLOGY OF A HIGH AMYLOSE RICE (ORYZA-SATIVA) CULTIVAR

Germination conditions for a high amylose rice cultivar were optimised using response surface methodology. Germination time and temperature significantly affected the amylase activity and thiamin content of the subsequent flour. All germination conditions investigated significant ly affected the malting loss while the change in cold paste viscosity was significantly influenced by steeping time, germination time and te mperature. The yield or recovery was significantly affected by germina tion time only. Protein content was not altered significantly by the g ermination conditions investigated. Optimum germination conditions for high amylose rice were: steeping time 24 h at 25 degrees C or 16 h at 35 degrees C, germination time 3 d, germination temperature 30 degree s C. Values predicted at optimum conditions by the response surface mo del for malt loss, viscosity, amylase activity, yield and thiamin cont ent were experimentally tested and close agreement between experimenta l and predicted values was observed.