Grain mineral contents under elevated carbon dioxide
How will elevated carbon dioxide affect wheat grain macro and micro nutrient concentrations and grain functional properties.
IPNI-2010-AUS-05
27 Feb 2012
2012 Annual Report
Completion Report
- The impact of e[CO2] at two different sowing times over two years on wheat (cv. Yitpi) grain physical, chemical, rheological quality traits under Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) was inverstigated.
Most of the grain physical qualities improved under e[CO2] but protein concentration was reduced by 12%. Similarly, most of the grain macro and micronutrient concentrations were reduced at e[CO2] while total mineral uptake of, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn and Fe were increased. The concentration of grain phytate was reduced at e[CO2] but grain fructan concentration was unchanged. The rheological characteristics of the flour were changed at e[CO2]. The magnitude of reduction in grain physical, chemical and rheological quality parameters were greatest at e[CO2] in 2009-TOS2, which experienced heat stress.
These data suggest that most of the beneficial effects of e[CO2] on grain physical quality are counteracted by its negative impact on grain chemical and rheological quality traits suggesting a negative impact on human health and economy of wheat product based industries. However, net effect of unchanged fructans and decreasing phytate concentrations should be improved bioavailability of Fe and Zn, could help to partially offset the negative effects of e[CO2]. Increased nutrient uptake suggests that nutrient management strategies are needed to develop for sustainable food production under future climate.
This reseach was undertaken by Nimesha Fernando, PhD student with The University of Melbourne and has been accpeted for publication in the journal Food Chemistry.