IP1. Sergio G. Atienza

IP2. Dámaso Hornero Méndez

Proyectos de generación de conocimiento 2021

Durum wheat biofortification by enhancing carotenoid esterification and promoting innovative enriched carotenoid profiles from natural variation sources. (WheXat)

Acrónimo: WheXat

September 01 2022 / August 31 2026

Abstract

Grain color is an important requirement for breeding programs of durum wheat. Carotenoids are responsible for the yellow color of grains of durum wheat and other cereals of the Triticeae tribe. Moreover, carotenoid pigments provide important health benefits for the consumers derived from their biological activities; antioxidant, provitamin A activity,  inhibition of carcinogenesis, and the reduction of the risk of developing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Remarkably, the ingestion of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in durum wheat, is associated with a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration in humans. Lutein is the main carotenoid found in the endosperm of durum wheat, bread wheat and tritordeum (×Tritordeum martini A. Pujadas), and therefore these cereals can be considered as a widespread and affordable source for these essential carotenoids. Furthermore, carotenoids are key determinants of durum wheat and tritordeum quality. The yellowness of pasta and cuscus and the golden color of tritordeum, are the first attribute that consumers assess when determining the food quality, conditioning its  acceptability and consumption. Thus, durum wheat and tritordeum breeding programs include grain coloration as a major quality target. Therefore, the accumulation of carotenoids and their retention throughout the food chain is important for both food industry and consumers.
In this context, the esterification of xanthophylls is gaining much interest due to its role in carotenoid accumulation and stability, providing a metabolic and regulatory mechanism which derived in increased carotenoid content. Accordingly, the improvement of sink  capacity through carotenoid esterification is considered a suitable strategy for the enhancement of carotenoid content in plants. Carotenoid esters are also an interesting target for the food industry since they are more stable than non-esterified carotenoids. Esterification increases carotenoid retention during storage of grain and flour. Thus, esterification is considered a new target for increasing carotenoid retention in
wheat.

Consequently, the development of new biofortification strategies for the improvement of carotenoid content and retention is an important target for cereal breeding. This strategy falls within the sustainable development goals (SDG) promoted by FAO, and more in particular it is aligned with the SGD 2 (Zero hunger) which promotes end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
The general objective of the current project proposal (WheXat) is to increase the resilience of farming system by improving the cereal quality using a biofortification strategy focused on carotenoids. To accomplish this, a multidisciplinary approach strategy using genetic,
genomics, biochemical and cytological tools will be implemented.

KEY WORDS: Genetics; genomics; phytochemistry; plant breeding;