Chemical composition of durum wheat kernels: impact of the growing location

Grains of Tunisian durum wheat varieties (Razzek, Karim, and Om Rabia) were collected from four growing locations (Zaghouan, Jendouba, Kef, and Kairouan). The wheat kernels were evaluated for various chemical and technological quality parameters. The results showed strong effects of growing area and genotype on the chemical compositions of wheat grain samples. These two factors (growing area and genotype) had significant effects on all measured parameters such as the thousand kernel weight, test weight, grain vitreousness, ash content, and gluten and grain-protein levels, but not the fatty acid composition. This study showed that Northern Tunisia (Kef and Jendouba) appears to have a favorable environment for the production of high-quality Razzek durum wheat. Central Tunisia (Kairouan) seems to have the most suitable environment for growing Om Rabia and Karim. It is important to chemically characterize these cultivars in order to select varieties that produce good-quality durum wheat grains which are well adapted to the environmental conditions in Tunisia.