Effect of pre-harvest rain on germination in the ear and α-amylase activity of Australian wheat

Abstract

Australian wheat varies in flour paste viscosity owing to differences both in α-amylase activity and in the susceptibility of the starch to attack by this enzyme. α-Amylase activity is very low except in abnormally wet harvests, when germination in the ear can occur. All Australian cultivars have white grain, which is associated with susceptibility to germination in the ear. However, differences were found in the rate of generation of α-amylase; Mendos, Spica, and Gamenya were more susceptible than Emblem and Festiguay. Falcon starch was the most resistant to α-amylase, while Olympic, Mendos, and Spica were the most susceptible.