Phenolic acid concentrations in organically and conventionally cultivated spring and winter wheat

J. Zuchowski^1*, K. Jonczyk², L. Pecio¹ and W. Oleszek¹

Abstract
Background: Organic crops are often thought to contain more phenolic secondary metabolites than conventional ones. This study evaluated the influence of organic and conventional farming on concentrations of phenolic acids in spring and winter wheat cultivars.

Results: Five phenolic acids were identified: ferulic, sinapic, p-coumaric, vanillic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Ferulic acid was the main phenolic acid in the grain of all tested wheat varieties. Significant differences among the examined cultivars in concentration of particular compounds were observed. Concentrations of phenolic acids varied significantly in organic and conventional wheat. Levels of ferulic and p-coumaric acids, as well as the total phenolic acid content were higher in organic crops. Concentrations of sinapic acid in spring wheat, as well as vanillic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid levels in both types of wheat were significantly higher in conventional grains. The 1000 kernel weight (TKW) of spring and winter wheat was significantly lower in organic crops.

Conclusion: Organically produced spring and winter wheat had significantly higher concentrations of ferulic and p-coumaric acid as well as the total phenolic acid content than conventional wheat, though the differences in the levels of phenolics were not large. However, these differences are probably caused mainly by smaller size of organic wheat kernels (lower TKW).

Source
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (2011): Online, ahead of print
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4288

Author Locations and Affiliations
(1) Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
(2) Department of Systems and Economics of Crop Production, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
* Corresponding author, E-mail jzuchowski@iung.pulawy.pl

Posted March 2011


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Research Extension Courses Consumers -------------------------- Virtual Tours Student & Job Opportunities News Articles Standards -------------------------- Market Information Events Issues Animal Welfare Strategic Plans -------------------------- Links Award-winners Site Map	Phenolic acid concentrations in organically and conventionally cultivated spring and winter wheat *J. Zuchowski^1, K. Jonczyk², L. Pecio¹ and W. Oleszek¹ Abstract Background: Organic crops are often thought to contain more phenolic secondary metabolites than conventional ones. This study evaluated the influence of organic and conventional farming on concentrations of phenolic acids in spring and winter wheat cultivars. Results: Five phenolic acids were identified: ferulic, sinapic, p-coumaric, vanillic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Ferulic acid was the main phenolic acid in the grain of all tested wheat varieties. Significant differences among the examined cultivars in concentration of particular compounds were observed. Concentrations of phenolic acids varied significantly in organic and conventional wheat. Levels of ferulic and p-coumaric acids, as well as the total phenolic acid content were higher in organic crops. Concentrations of sinapic acid in spring wheat, as well as vanillic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid levels in both types of wheat were significantly higher in conventional grains. The 1000 kernel weight (TKW) of spring and winter wheat was significantly lower in organic crops. Conclusion: Organically produced spring and winter wheat had significantly higher concentrations of ferulic and p-coumaric acid as well as the total phenolic acid content than conventional wheat, though the differences in the levels of phenolics were not large. However, these differences are probably caused mainly by smaller size of organic wheat kernels (lower TKW). Source Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (2011): Online, ahead of print DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4288 Author Locations and Affiliations** (1) Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100, Puławy, Poland (2) Department of Systems and Economics of Crop Production, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation—State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100, Puławy, Poland * Corresponding author, E-mail jzuchowski@iung.pulawy.pl Posted March 2011
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Phenolic acid concentrations in organically and conventionally cultivated spring and winter wheat

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