System for the evaluation of malting quality of wheat varieties

A new system for the calculation of malting quality of wheat varieties was designed. The malting parameters affected by a variety more than by a year or a site were used in the system. These parameters include wort viscosity, soluble nitrogen content, free amino nitrogen content, diastatic power, final attenuation of wort, and extract of malt. The system was used to assess the malting quality in 38 wheat varieties. The point value of each parameter was calculated using the regression equations, and the total value of the malting quality of wheat was determined by the modified “superiority measure” method. The results of the assessment of the wheat malting quality showed considerable differences between the varieties. Several varieties exhibited a more pronounced tendency to accumulate nitrogenous substances in grain. Some varieties, even with a slightly higher content of nitrogenous substances, provided above average malt quality. The set included the varieties that exhibited the optimal content of nitrogenous substances in grain, yet they did not give malt of good quality. Spring wheat varieties Alondra, Anabel, and Seance achieved significantly above average malting quality. Dagmar, Evina, Sultan, Rumor, Sailor, and Brokat exhibited slightly above average malting quality. The proposed system for monitoring malting quality of wheat varieties can help find the varieties suitable for the production of quality wheat malt.