PULLMAN, WASHINGTON, US —The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is awarding a $835,888 Seeding Solutions grant to Washington State University (WSU) to develop a faster, cheaper and more accurate alpha-amylase test for use on farms and in elevators to prevent mixing of low and high falling number wheat.

High levels of alpha-amylase protein in wheat can lead to a low falling number score, a factor that determines the quality and price of wheat. Because alpha-amylase digests starch, wheat with a low falling number score produces flour with lower gelling capacity, causing cakes that fall or sticky bread and noodles, and significantly lowers the price growers receive. 

The current falling number test developed nearly 70 years ago requires large, specialized equipment, laboratory conditions and experienced operators. Due to expense and logistics, most grain elevators don’t have a falling number testing system on hand, FFAR said. If growers cannot detect wheat with a low falling number, the wheat may mix with sound wheat on farms, in grain elevators or during transport, essentially compromising the entire bushel and leading to millions of dollars in losses.

Research to develop a new rapid onsite test has received matching funds or in-kind support from EnviroLogix, HighLine Grain Growers, The McGregor Company, Washington Grain Commission, Wheat Marketing Center and WSU for a total investment of $2 million.

“Every year, farmers hold their breath as they wait to find out if their wheat harvest passes muster,” said Dr. Angela Records, FFAR chief scientific officer. “By enabling early detection of low falling number, this research is saving quality wheat from becoming animal feed and saving farmers millions.”

In addition to developing new rapid tests, the grant includes two other components to help growers manage alpha-amylase. The first is developing an early warning system to alert grain handlers to weather patterns likely to cause spikes in alpha-amylase. The second is conducting research for a better understanding of the genetic regulation of alpha-amylase. This will provide breeders with tools for breeding wheat varieties that are less susceptible to low falling numbers.