Content of Phenolic Acid and Yielding of Hybrid Wheat in Response to Growing Year under Integrated Management

Wheat grain has health-promoting properties that are related to the content of phenolic acids in its composition, among which ferulic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid predominate acting as potent natural antioxidants. The study evaluated the phenolic acid (PA) content and grain yield of hybrid wheat genotypes (Hyland, Hywin) compared to the common variety (Patras), grown under an integrated system at two nitrogen rates of 60 (N60) and 120 (N120) kg·ha−1, under varying hydrothermal conditions during three growing seasons. The effects of genotype, cultivar and the interaction of cultivar and hydrothermal conditions on the phenolic acid profile, except for synapic acid, phydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic acid, and grain yield were confirmed in favour of the hybrid cultivars. The concentration of total phenolic acids (TPAs) and ferulic acid in the grain of the hybrid cultivar Hyland was higher and, in addition, greater yield stability of this cultivar under varying hydrothermal conditions was shown in the analysed years of the study. The grain of the common variety Patras was characterised by advanced content of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and that of the hybrid variety Hywin by p-coumaric, caffeic and syringic acids. Higher TPAs content and lower grain yield of the varieties were observed in the 2018/2019 drought season. Higher nitrogen fertilisation (N120) compared to N60 significantly increased TPAs content and grain yield of Hyland and Hywin hybrid varieties. Fertilisation with N120 compared to N60 increased TPAs content by 4.2% and promoted higher concentrations of ferulic and syringic acids in the wheat cultivars tested.