Quantification of benzoxazinone derivatives in wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties grown under contrasting conditions in Denmark

Three varieties of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) were grown in both conventional and organic farming systems. The contents of the benzoxazinone derivatives 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), 2-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-4-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA-Glc), 6-methoxybenzoxazolin-2-one (MBOA), 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (HMBOA), benzoxazolin-2-one (BOA), and 2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (HBOA) were analyzed at five growth stages (BBCH 9-10, 12, 21, 31, and 53). Major differences were found between the varieties, with Stakado, exhibiting the highest contents. In contrast, only minor and erratic differences were found between the two farming systems, suggesting that the inherent differences in the content of benzoxazinone derivatives of the varieties were not significantly affected by the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The concentration of benzoxazinone derivatives in the foliage was considerably higher at the early growth stages than later in the growing season, with DIMBOA being the most abundant of the benzoxazinone derivatives. An increase in the concentration was observed in early spring compared to late autumn, suggesting that plants synthesized benzoxazinone derivatives at the commencement of growth in early spring. The concentrations in the roots were considerably lower than in the foliage at the early growth stages but remained relatively constant over time, resulting in a higher concentration than in the foliage at the late growth stages. The results are discussed in relation to previous findings that predominantly originate from experiments done under controlled conditions in either growth cabinets or greenhouses.