Geographical and Genetic Determinants of Alkylresorcinol Accumulation in Wheat Bran: A Multivariate Analysis of Variety, Location, and Climate Factors

Alkylresorcinols (ARs), as biomarkers for whole grains, have gained increasing attention due to their nutritional and functional properties. This study investigated ARs and their homologue profiles of 315 wheat samples representing 149 varieties from 91 locations. The results revealed substantial variations in ARs and homologue contents among different wheat samples, which were significantly influenced by wheat variety and cultivation location. The relationship between environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, altitude, oxygen concentration, and sunshine duration) and ARs and homologue accumulation was examined. Based on the coefficients of variation (CVs) and entropy weighted scores for ARs and homologue contents and CVs, superior wheat varieties, including HM33, WL169, LY1403, YM25, JM765, LY502 and ZM255, were identified, and suitable locations were Xinghua, Haian, Rugao, and Gaoyou. This study provides a foundation for selecting wheat varieties and cultivation regions to enhance their nutritional value, offering potential guidance for targeted breeding and the development of health-oriented functional whole-grain foods.