Effect of cold hardening on the phenolic complex of winter wheat leaves

The effect of hardening on the composition of phenolic compounds in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaves was studied. It was shown that green tissues contained mainly flavonoids, especially flavons (C-and O-glycosides of apigenin and luteolin), and also ferulic acid derivatives. Among flavons, derivatives of luteolin dominated, including isoorientin, which comprised approximately a half of the content of all identified phenolic compounds. Low temperature induced the accumulation of phenolic compounds in winter wheat leaves, whereas their qualitative composition was not practically changed.