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A semi-micro dry-block and automated analyser technique suitable for determining protein nitrogen in plant material

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

Carol Starr  and
D. B. Smith
Carol Starr
Affiliation:
Plant Breeding Institute, Trumpington, Cambridge GB2 2LQ, U.K.
D. B. Smith
Affiliation:
Plant Breeding Institute, Trumpington, Cambridge GB2 2LQ, U.K.
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Summary

A dry-block digestion system suitable for the estimation of total protein nitrogen in plant material has been evaluated. The method was found to be as accurate as Kjeldahl flask digestion, required much less fume cupboard space and enabled samples to be dealt with in large batches through weighing, digestion and analysis. The batch size can be designed to be compatible with the autoanalyser capacity. These advantages result in more rapid analysis with less chance of errors and accidents. A 45 min digestion period was found suitable for several crop species of widely different protein content, only field bean seeds required longer digestion time. Using the technique described samples are digested at a relatively low temperature (330 °C) for a short time and digests do not solidify on cooling. The autoanalyser method for determining ammonia concentrations in barley and malt digests (Micheson & Stowell, 1970) has been slightly modified for use with the plant materials studied. The dry-block and autoanalyser system is rapid, precise and compact, requires small amounts of tissue and is suited to the routine analysis of breeding material.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 91 , Issue 3 , December 1978 , pp. 639 - 644
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

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