Effect of biotic stress on the presence of secondary metabolites in field pea grains

BACKGROUND The presence of secondary metabolites responsible for off-flavours in peas may influence consumers' acceptance. These undesirable compounds may increase due to biotic stress or cultivar. Therefore, grains from two pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars (Crecerelle and Firenza) exposed to biotic stress were studied in terms of protein content, electrophoretic polypeptide profile, lipoxygenase activity, saponin content and volatile compounds. RESULTS No differences were observed in the electrophoretic polypeptide profile of pea samples across cultivar or biotic stress. The cultivar noticeably affected the volatile compounds and lipoxygenase activity. The biotic stress significantly increased the saponin content. CONCLUSION The cultivar showed more noticeable impact on the presence of off-flavour compounds than the biotic stress. The development of pea protein ingredients needs the thorough choice of raw materials in terms of cultivar and control of biotic stress in order to ensure acceptance by consumers. (c) 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.