Evaluation of variability of the content of alpha and beta acids in Czech bittering hop varieties (Humulus lupulus L.)

Abstract

Czech bitter varieties were evaluated between 2010 and 2022. Hop varieties displayed an average content of alpha acids between 10.24% w/w (Agnus) and 13.73% w/w (Gaia). Variability below 15%, proved good stability of alpha acids content in all tested bittering hops. All varieties showed a decrease in the content of alpha acids over a period of 13 years of hop cultivation. The highest content of beta acids was determined in Gaia (7.30% w/w). In contrast, the lowest content of beta acids was found in Rubín (3.73% w/w). The new bitter genotypes Uran and 5304 had an average alpha acid content of 11.56% w/w and 10.82% w/w, respectively. Uran showed an average beta acid content of 5.47% w/w and for the genotype 5304 it was 3.61% w/w. In terms of the alpha/beta acids ratio, the hop varieties can be divided into three groups. The first group included the varieties with an alpha/beta acids ratio below 2, i.e. Vital, Boomerang and Gaia. While Agnus and Uran displayed an alpha/beta ratio slightly above 2. The highest alpha/beta ratio above 3 was found in Rubín and the 5303 genotype.