First Data on the Differences of Phytolite Composition in Different Wheat Varieties <i>Triticum</i> <i>aestivum</i> L.

Abstract

At current work we present first results of comparative study of the morphology and chemical composition in biomineral particles (phytoliths) of different types of wheat (Volzhskaya, Moskovskaya 39, Primorskaya 40). Optical microscopy reveals 5 morphotypes of phytolith in the stem and spike of wheat Triticum aestivum L. Although, only 3 morphotypes of phytolites were found in all three varieties, and the other 2 morphotypes were found only in some cases. These differences may be sort-specific signs. Various phytoliths have different linear sizes. As demosntrated, even within a sole type of wheat, there appears variability of the phytolitic composition. This fact may have significant implication for practical use of the phytolith analysis.