Genotype and Agronomic Management Interactions Shape the Accumulation of Immunogenic and Toxic Gluten Peptides in Durum Wheat

Currently, there is growing interest in wheat-based products with a reduced digestive impact. We investigated whether agronomic management could modulate the accumulation of immunogenic peptides in durum wheat by using two multifactorial field trials. In the first trial, immunogenic peptide levels were influenced by genotype and by its interaction with nitrogen supply and sowing density, indicating that management effects are highly genotype dependent. In the second trial, the sowing date and fertilization regime affected immunogenic peptide accumulation, with the sowing date being the main driver. Spring sowing reduced the grain yield and increased grain protein and immunogenic peptide levels compared with fall sowing. Overall, these results support the adoption of genotype-specific management strategies to reduce immunogenic peptide accumulation while maintaining a yield in durum wheat.