Nitrogen management, cultivars and growing environments on wheat grain quality

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization, environment and cultivars on the protein concentration, sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation test (SDSS) volume and falling number in wheat. The experimental design was a randomized blocks in split plot scheme with four repetions. Four wheat genotypes were evaluated under six N managements in four enviroment (subplots). The wheat genotypes evaluated were IPR Catuara TM, BRS Gaivota, Quartzo and CD 120. Protein concentration, SDS sedimentation test, falling number and grain yield were evaluated. Combined analysis of variance for the four environment was performed and means were compared by Tukey test at p ≤ 0.05. The environmental effect is greater than the genotype and N effects on protein concentration. The increase in protein concentration reduces grain yield of the cultivars tested. SDSS and falling number in wheat are influenced by the interaction between cultivar and environment and also by the N management. The protein concentration of grain has low influence on SDS sedimentation volume, so the topdressing N management has less accentuated effect on this response variable. The falling number does not vary among cultivars when the environment is suitable to pre-harvest sprouting. The use of topdressing N influences the falling number in wheat.