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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

Found in these crops

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.

Chiron

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Nordsaat Saatzucht GmbH, Dr. Martin Kirchhoff

EE HU LT LV PL UA
13 records

Rialto

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

PLANT BREEDING INTERNATIONAL CAMBRIDGE

BE DK FR IE NL
15 records

Leidi

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Mika Hyövelä, Esa Teperi, Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd.

EE FI LT LV SE UA
13 records

Secale cereale L. · Rye

Franz-Joachim Fromme

CZ DE DK EE FI UA
12 records

Ponticus

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Strube-Dieckmann GmbH&Co.KG

EE LT LU PL UA
13 records

Granny

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

SELGEN A.S

EE LT SK UA
11 records

Colonia

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

NICKERSON INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SNC

BE HU LT LU PL
12 records

Secale cereale L. · Rye

HYBRO SAATZUCHT GMBH and CO KG

CZ DE DK FI UA
12 records

Secale cereale L. · Rye

HYBRO SAATZUCHT GMBH and CO KG

AT DE DK PL UA
12 records

Discus

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

PFLANZENZUCHT SAKA GBR

EE LT LV UA
11 records

Secale cereale L. · Rye

Danko Hodowla Roslin Sp.z.o.o.

AT CZ DE FI PL
12 records

Arkeos

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Nickerson International Research SNC (FR)

BG FR RO UA
12 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

KWS Lochow

EE FI LT PL UA
12 records

Baletka

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Ragt, F

HU PL UA
11 records

Nordika

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

TOMAS NOVACEK

EE LT UA
10 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

RAGT 2N S.A.S

DK NL PL SE UA
11 records

Wpb Mylo

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Wiersum Plantbreeding B.V.

EE LT NL PL
10 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

RAGT 2N S.A.S

FI FR LT PL
11 records

Moschus

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Strube-Dieckmann GmbH&Co.KG

EE LU PL UA
11 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Strube Research GmbH & Co. KG, STRUBE D and S GMBH

EE LT PL UA
9 records

Granus

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Strube Research GmbH&Co KG

EE LT PL UA
8 records

Bakfis

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

RAGT Czech s.r.o.,CZ

HR HU LT SK
9 records

Amato

Active

Secale cereale L. · Rye

WORTMANN| Dr. H. Wortmann in Fa. Hybro Saatzucht GmbH & Co. KG

AT DE LT PL UA
9 records

SU Santini

Terminated

Secale cereale L. · Rye

Hybro Saatzucht GmbH&Co KG

CZ DE DK PL
9 records

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