Composition and Functional Properties of Apogee and Perigee Compared to Common Terrestrial Wheat Cultivars

Abstract

Apogee and Perigee super-dwarf wheat cultivars were developed to maximize seed production and minimize biomass waste. In this study, the composition and functional properties of these super-dwarf wheats were characterized and compared to three common terrestrial wheat cultivars: Parshall, Yecora Rojo, and Yavaros 79. The effects of environment (fi eld vs. hydroponic) were also determined. Proximate composition was determined using Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods, and functional attributes were evaluated by mixograph analyses and pasting profi les. Additional analyses determined: antioxidant capacity, protein profi le, non-protein nitrogen, lipid oxidation, and starch damage. Apogee and Perigee were compositionally and functionally different from the terrestrial cultivars and from each other, and growth conditions had a signifi cant impact on properties. Based on the nutrient profi les and functional traits evaluated, Apogee is a more suitable candidate wheat crop than Perigee for a NASA advanced food system.

Effects of Low-Dose Gamma-Radiation on Certain Wheat Properties

“…Lipid oxidation increased with increasing radiation exposure for Apogee, Perigee, and Parshall (Table II), the cultivars in this study with the highest levels of lipids and crude ash (34). Lipid oxidation signifi cantly increased in Yavaros 79 from 0 to 1 Gy, but increasing radiation beyond 1 Gy, up to 100 Gy, had no further effect on lipid oxidation in this cultivar (Table II).…”

“…It has also been noted that phenolic acids are concentrated in the bran and aleurone fractions of wheat (14). Apogee, Perigee, and Parshall have the 3 smallest berry sizes and therefore highest surface area per gram of wheat of the 5 cultivars tested (34). The surface-to-volume ratios of these cultivars are higher than those of the cultivars with more stable antioxidant capacities, suggesting that increased radiation exposure of the bran and aleurone fractions increases the amount of antioxidant degradation.…”

“…These cultivars grow to roughly a quarter of the height of their terrestrial counterparts while producing the same amount of food product (5,6). While growth conditions have been characterized, further analysis of these cultivars must be conducted to characterize the protein, lipid, and starch functionalities, antioxidant capacities, and food uses (12,34). Furthermore, studies must be conducted after exposure to radiation to determine how these characteristics could be affected by radiation that will be encountered in space.…”