Possible role of β-endoglucanase in the degradation of the cell wall polysaccharides in more and less resistant to pre-harvest sprouting triticale varieties

Abstract

The [3-endoglucanase is one of the enzymes taking part in the degradation of the cell wall structural polysaccharides. The use of two Triticale varieties differing in their resistance to the preharvest sprouting allowed the comparison of that enzyme activity and changes in the internal structnre of the cell wall observed in the light and electron microscope. The most interesting observations seem to be the channels and even the holes in the walls of aleurone cells found mostly in the samples showing the elevated activities of [3-endoglucanase. As those sampies concern the grains of a lower resistance to pre-harvest sprouting, it might be suggested that the loosening of the wall structure may be one of the probable mechanisms in facilitating the enzyme, metabolite and water translocations through the grain tissues. Those changes can accelerate the water imput into the grain, the metabolic process and thus the increased susceptibility to sprouting.

Environment and Genotype Effects on the Content of Dietary Fiber and Its Components in Wheat in the HEALTHGRAIN Diversity Screen

“…The cold and wet weather conditions, as they occurred in the United Kingdom from May until July in 2007, are known to favor preharvest sprouting and microbial growth, which tend to increase the level of hydrolytic enzymes that may result in NSP solubilization and, related herewith, increased WENSP levels. In analogy with amylases, increased activities of endogenous cereal β-glucanase and xylanase have been observed as a result of preharvest sprouting. Dornez et al also observed a drastic increase in microbial xylanase activity as a result of raw weather conditions.…”