Low molecular phytochemicals of Indian dwarf (Triticum sphaerococcum Percival) and Persian wheat (T. carthlicum Nevski) grain

Ancient wheat grain is considered by consumers to be more natural, pro-healthy and better tolerated, so these genotypes are being steadily reintroduced to cultivation. This study presents the content and composition of phenolic acids, alkylresorcinols, sterols, tocols and carotenoids in the grain of Indian dwarf and Persian wheats, extended by characteristics of their kernels (weight, dimensions and colour). To compare these features, four other wheat species (bread, spelt, durum and einkorn wheats) were used. It was found that the grain of Indian dwarf and Persian wheat is similar in weight and dimensions to grain of einkorn wheat, while in colour to bread wheat. Among the tested samples, grain of both new genotypes was the richest source of total low molecular phytochemicals, especially phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols, while being the weakest source of carotenoids. For these wheats, an enhanced share of ferulic acid (93–95%) was found, accompanied by higher quantitative and qualitative variability of homologues within sterols, tocols and carotenoids. In turn, the alkylresorcinol composition was related to wheat ploidy level. [Display omitted] •Indian dwarf. and persian wheat are recently reintroduced wheat genotypes.•Indian dwarf. and persian wheat are rich source of total low molecular phytochemicals.•Persian wheat has unique tocol composition with the highest share of α-tocopherol.•Alkylresorcinol composition of analysed wheat was depended on ploidy level.