CO2respiration rates of einkorn wheat at different temperature and moisture contents

Abstract

Temperature and grain moisture content are the main factors affecting grain spoilage in storage. These factors have a significantimpact on the maintenance of quality, insect, fungus, and pest development. The main objective of this study was to determine the CO2concentration and respiration rate of hulled einkorn wheat in different temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C) and grain moisturecontents (9.1%, 11.5%, 13.8%, and 15.9%, wet basis) by means of CO2 sensors. Multiple polynomial regression equation was developedto predict respiration as affected by temperature and grain moisture content. The CO2 concentrations and respiration rates of wheatincreased with an increase in temperature and grain moisture content. The highest mean cumulative CO2 concentrations of 5461.4ppm and respiration rate of 12.38 mg CO2 kg–1 h–1 were found with temperature at 35 °C. Minimum respiration rates were determinedat 5 and 10 °C in all moisture contents. Adjusted R-square value of the multiple polynomial prediction equation depending on storagetemperature and grain moisture content was found to be 0.76. According to these results, ambient temperature and grain moisturecontent were found to be extremely effective on respiratory rate. This study showed that 9.1–13.8% moisture content and 10–20 °C aresuitable conditions to store einkorn wheat without a decrease in nutritional properties for long-term periods.