Effect of sowing season on fatty acid profile ability to discriminate modern and old varieties of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. Aestivum)

Fatty acid (FA) profile characterizes cultivated Triticum species and subspecies. This research compared FA profiles of 5 modern varieties, 3 old varieties, and one landrace of common wheat. A split plot in randomized complete block design with 3 replications, including 2 sowing seasons, supplied grain samples to characterize the FA profile of all the accessions evaluated. Univariate analysis of 15 FAs identified significant variability among varieties at single FA level and nutritional parameters, but only α-linolenic acid and the n-6/n-3 ratio discriminated modern from old varieties and the landrace. Differently, a multivariate approach based on Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), when applied at variety level and at variety x sowing season level, allowed a good discrimination among varieties both within and between the modern and old groups. Including the sowing season in the definition of the LDA categories improved the discrimination ability as compared to LDA at variety level by reducing the number of misclassified samples. Most varieties showed a significant effect of sowing season on the relationship among FA characterizing the most important discriminant function. Overall, fatty acid profile could improve authentication and traceability approaches aimed at discrimination of common wheat varieties, including modern and old ones.