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Nitrogen management modulates protein composition, antioxidant capacity, and anti-nutritional factors in hard red spring wheat
Journal article   Open access

Nitrogen management modulates protein composition, antioxidant capacity, and anti-nutritional factors in hard red spring wheat

Md Najmol Hoque, Emad Karrar, Clair Keene and Shahidul Islam
International journal of food science & technology, Vol.61(1), vvag053
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ijfood/vvag053
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Open Access CC BY V4.0

Abstract

hard red spring wheat wheat quality phenolic compounds antioxidant properties phytic acid genotype/environments interaction
Hard red spring (HRS) wheat is a high-protein class prized for its nutritional value and functional properties in whole grain products. While nitrogen (N) fertilization is known to affect yield and protein content, its influence on antioxidant activity and antinutritional factors remains less explored. This study examined the effects of three N application rates (0, 100, and 150 lb/acre) on grain composition, antioxidant capacity, and phytic acid (PA) content in three HRS wheat varieties grown at multiple locations in North Dakota and Minnesota. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated via total phenolics, flavonoids, and radical scavenging assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) [ABTS], and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]), while PA was measured as an indicator of antinutritional potential. Application of 150 lb/acre N significantly increased grain protein content (20%–24%, p < .05) and enhanced antioxidant activity, with DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP values rising by 32%, 42%, and 82%, respectively, relative to the control. These increases were associated with elevated levels of free (63%) and bound (53%) phenolics, as well as greater flavonoid accumulation. In contrast, PA content declined significantly, from 8.5 to 5.5 mg/g (p < .05), and was strongly negatively correlated with N rate (r = −0.8). Protein content, phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and PA levels were all significantly affected by genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E interactions. These findings suggest that optimised N fertilization can simultaneously improve grain protein and antioxidant properties while reducing antinutritional compounds. This targeted agronomic approach offers a promising strategy for producing healthier, nutrient-rich wheat under diverse genotype-environment conditions.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#12 Responsible Consumption & Production

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