Relationship between #alpha#-amylase activity and resistance of pre-harvest sprouting in spring wheat

The pre-harvest sprouting resistance of 57 spring wheat varieties (lines) were determined in 35 d periods after the anthesis, and the α-amylase activity was also determined by the improved method of gel diffusion. The results showed that differences between pre-harvest sprouting resistance and α-amylase activity of these varieties were significant. Most varieties of Heilongjiang province had only middle resistance to pre-harvest sprouting. The pre-harvest sprouting resistance of red color coat materials was higher than that of white materials, and there were highly resistant varieties among these white color varieties. Pre-harvest sprouting rates were positively correlated with α-amylase concentrations. α-amylase concentrations in 35 d after anthesis could be a criterion of pre-harvest sprouting resistance.