INFLUENCE OF METEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS ON THE YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF COMMON BUCKWHEAT (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Abstract

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is an annual plant from Polygonaceae family which is well known as pseudocereal with high nutritional value. The yield and quality of the buckwheat's kernel depend on weather conditions, mainly due to variations in the air temperatures and precipitation during the growing period. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of some metrological parameters on yields and chemical compositions in the kernel of buckwheat. Field experiments were conducted during three years (2011, 2012 and 2013) in the village Donje Selo, near Ilijaš. In this study grain yield, protein content, sludge, fats, mineral matter, cellulose and total phenols were determined. Experimental results suggested that the weather conditions in different years of the research have a significant impact on the yield and the chemical composition of the kernel. The yield of buckwheat varied from the year to year and ranged from 0.98 to 1.29 tons per hectare. Contents of protein and starch were also significantly dependent on the year of the research, as well as the content of phenol in the kernel. High total phenolic content was recorded in the year with the highest average monthly air temperature.