Influence of the Genotype and Environment on the Mineral Profile of Grains and Ashes

Thirteen genotypes of durum wheat were grown in two different environments in Portugal. Grain and ash mineral profile, as well as protein content, test weight, and grain ash content were evaluated. Genotype, environment, and their interaction explains the variation in the quality traits, with the environment having the highest influence. Mineral profile analysis was performed by the μ-EDXRF system: macroelements (K, P, Ca, Cl, and S) represented 99% of the total concentration detected in the grain samples, while microelements represented up to 2% of the total concentration when analyzing the ash samples (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Si, Rb, Sr, and Ti). Almost every element found in the grain and ash analysis was affected by the environment. Only K and Ca in the grain had higher concentrations in the environment with water scarcity, while the concentrations of all the detected elements except for Si and Sr were higher in the ashes in this environment. Regarding the genotype, P, S, and Cu grain concentrations were not affected by the environment. The highest grain mineral concentration was found for Gingão, suggesting a better mineral uptake and/or translocation-to-grain capacity. However, regarding the technological quality, most of the genotypes presented ash content values above the maximum specified threshold.