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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.

Ure

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Peer Hummeluhr

DK LT PL
8 records

LG Nida

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

LIMAGRAIN EUROPE

FI LT PL
9 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Lonnet Philippe

FR UA
10 records

NS Obala

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Mikic Sanja, Jevtic Radivoje, Momcilovic Vojislava, Mirosavljevic Milan,

BG UA
7 records

Kitri

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

SELGEN A.S

UA
10 records

Pallas

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Strube Research GmbH&Co KG

EE FI PL
6 records

Vagabund

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Strube, D

HU SK
7 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

WIERSUM PLANTBREEDING

EE LT PL
7 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Zalabai Gyula / Csemy Tibor

AT HU SK
6 records

Florian

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Probstdorfer Saatzucht Ges.m.b.H & Co KG

AT HU LT
7 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

SECOBRA RECHERCHES S.A.S

PL UA
7 records

Dichter

Terminated

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

SAATZUCHT JOSEF BREUN GmbH&Co.KG

LT NL
6 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Wiersum Plantbreeding B.V.

IE NL
8 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Wiersum Plantbreeding B.V.

DK EE LT
6 records

Varius

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

STRUBE GMBH&CO.KG

AT PL UA
7 records

Zorro

Terminated

x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus · Triticale

Danko Hodowla Roslin Sp.z.o.o.

HU PL SE
6 records

SW Tataros

Terminated

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Lantmännen SW Seed Hadmersleben GmbH

NL PL
9 records

Skalmeje

Terminated

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

LOCHOW-PETKUS

DK LT
8 records

Septima

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

SELGEN A.S

FR UA
6 records

Pascal

Protection expired

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Sogroup (FR)

ES FR IT
8 records

Nelson

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Syngenta UK Ltd

LT NL
12 records

Moreno

Terminated

x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus · Triticale

Wolski, T

FI PL SE
7 records

Miller

Active

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

Sejet Planteforaedling I,S

BG DK UA
8 records

Triticum aestivum L. · Bread wheat

KWS Lochow

EE LT
6 records

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