Phenolic acids in caryopses of two cultivars of wheat, rye and triticale that display different resistance to pre-harvest sprouting

This study confirmed the significant role of phenolics in the dormancy of c ereal caryopses. Investigations were conducted on two cultivars of wheat (E lena and Alba), rye (Amilo and Dankowskie Zlote), and triticale (Ugo and Bo go), with characteristic deeper or shallow dormancy, respectively. In germi nation studies, cultivars susceptible to sprouting (Alba, Dankowskie Zlote and Bogo) displayed higher germination percentages than those resistant to sprouting (Elena, Amilo and Ugo). The phenolic acid contents (i.e. free, li berated from soluble esters, and liberated from soluble glycosides) in cary opses were determined by an HPLC method. Caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic and s inapic acids were the dominant phenolic acids detected. The majority of phe nolic acids were found in the form of soluble esters. For all species exami ned, the levels of phenolic acids liberated from soluble esters and the tot al phenolic acid contents in caryopses showing shallow dormancy were higher than in those showing deeper dormancy. Slight differences in the UV spectr a of extracts of phenolic compounds from caryopses showing shallow or deepe r dormancy were noted.