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Variety traits

Falling number

Falling number is a grain quality indicator that reflects the activity of the alpha-amylase enzyme, which affects the viscosity of flour paste. It is measured in seconds and characterizes the grain's ability to resist sprouting.

Mentioned in descriptions 1 568 varieties reference book.

The falling number is a critical grain quality indicator reflecting the activity level of the alpha-amylase enzyme. This enzyme breaks down starch in flour as it is converted into dough. With high enzyme activity, the starch liquefies too quickly, resulting in sticky dough, bread that loses its shape, has uneven porosity, and possesses a dark crumb.

The indicator is measured in seconds using the Hagberg-Perten method, which records the time it takes for a stirrer to fall through a gelatinized grain suspension. The optimal range is 250–280 seconds. Values below 150–180 seconds indicate grain spoilage due to sprouting, whereas values above 400 seconds may suggest a lack of enzymes necessary for a normal fermentation process.

The falling number value depends on the physiological characteristics of the variety, specifically its genetic resistance to pre-harvest sprouting. External conditions play an important role: high humidity, rain, and fog during the ripening period trigger pre-harvest sprouting. Agrotechnical practices, including harvest timing and correct grain drying and storage regimes, also affect the indicator.

Sources10

Breakdown by crop

Falling Number — Soft Wheat 388 Falling Number — Rye 78 Triticale Falling Number 16 Falling Number — Durum Wheat 13 Falling Number — Soft Wheat 11 Falling Number of Spelt 9

Found in these crops

Bread wheat 398 Rye 79 Triticale 16 Durum wheat 12 Bread wheat 11 Spelt 9 Italian ryegrass 1 Maize 1 Oat 1 Triticum aestivum subsp. aestivum x Triticum aestivum subsp. spelta 1

Varieties that feature this in their description

Selection based on the description text, not official resistance ratings: such data is not available in registers. Mention indicates that the trait is discussed in the variety's sources; see the variety's profile for details on what is specifically stated.

Tillsano

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Saatzucht Donau GmbH & Co.KG

AT
3 records

Symetria

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Hodowla Roslin Smolice Sp.z o.o Grupa IHAR

PL
4 records

SU Viedma

Terminated

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Nordsaat Saatzucht GmbH Saatzucht Langenstein

PL
3 records

Stanko

Active

Secale cereale L. · Rye

PRZEDSIęBIORSTWO NASIENNE "ROLNAS" SP. Z O.O.

PL
3 records

Sekret

Active

x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus · Triticale

Hodowla Roslin Strzelce Sp z.o.o. Grupa IHAR

PL
3 records

Rusałka

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Hodowla Roslin Strzelce Sp z.o.o. Grupa IHAR

PL
5 records

RGT Davirio

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

RAGT 2N S.A.S

CZ
3 records

RGT Zunder

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

RAGT 2N S.A.S

DE
3 records

KWS Elementary

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Erhard Ebmeyer^^^Nina Pfeiffer

CZ
3 records

Kasia

Terminated

Zea mays L. subsp. mays (Maize Group) · Maize

Instytut Hodowli i Aklimatyzacji Roslin Panstwowy Instytut Badawczy

PL
3 records

Jamajka

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Hodowla Roslin Strzelce Sp z.o.o. Grupa IHAR

PL
4 records

Estera

Terminated

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Agrigenetics d.o.o. (HR)

HR
2 records

Escacena

Terminated

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

AGROVEGETAL, S.A.

ES
3 records

Emmerto

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

SECOBRA RECHERCHES S.A.S

DE
3 records

Fabulor

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Unisigma G.I.E., Limagrain Europe S.A.S.

FR
4 records

Ethan

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Wiersum Plantbreeding B.V.

AT
3 records

Ecija

Terminated

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

AGROVEGETAL, S.A.

ES
3 records

Criterio

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Saatzucht Donau GmbH & Co.KG

AT
3 records

Calzodur

Active

Triticum durum Desf. · Durum wheat

Saatzucht Donau GmbH & Co.KG

AT
3 records

Aronio

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Saatzucht Donau GmbH & Co.KG

AT
3 records

Arameus

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Saatzucht Donau GmbH & Co.KG

AT
3 records

Abago

Terminated

Secale cereale L. · Rye

Hodowla Roslin Smolice Sp.z o.o Grupa IHAR

PL
3 records

Almari

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Hodowla Roslin Smolice Sp.z o.o Grupa IHAR

PL
4 records

Absint

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Strube Research GmbH&Co KG

DE
3 records

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