INTEGRATIVE ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF SEEDS OF VARIOUS VARIETIES OF FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM

For the first time, an integrative analysis of the morphological, structural, and biochemical characteristics of buckwheat seeds of several varieties growing in contrasting conditions of the monsoon climate of Primorsky region and the temperate continental climate of the Central region of Russia has been carried out, which allows us to provide important practical recommendations for the application of a new seed assessment method. Minor differences in their color and weight indicators of varieties, as well as the weight and structure of fruit shells (FS) were revealed. In all varieties, the amount of total protein in the seeds (SD) was almost equal, and the protein composition differed only due to minor components. For SD, there were fairly similar indicators in terms of the total phenolic compounds (TPC), phenylpropanoids (PhP), flavans (FL) and proanthocyanidins (PA) content, which in most cases were lower than those for FS, with the exception of the new generation of the Desire variety. The significant accumulation of PA (polyphenol oligomers with high antioxidant activity) in buckwheat seeds, which we noted, can be used for their subsequent application in various sectors of the national economy.

buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, seeds, fruit shells, structure, proteins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins