Origin of Aegilops bicornis
Aegilops bicornis, also known as Goatgrass or Two-horned goatgrass, is a perennial plant species belonging to the grass family, Poaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia and Africa.
Common Names
Aegilops bicornis is commonly known as Goatgrass or Two-horned goatgrass owing to the presence of two stiff awns on the spikelet tips that resemble goat horns. In some regions, it is also called 'Shatta' or 'Wild Wheat'.
Uses
The plant has both agricultural and medicinal importance. It is commonly used as a forage for sheep, goats, and camels in the Middle East and North Africa, especially in drought-prone areas, as it can grow under harsh conditions. Aegilops bicornis is also used for the improvement of wheat and barley crops, as it is a wild relative of these plants. Recent research has revealed its potential for the development of stress-tolerant crops, with the genes from Aegilops bicornis found to be useful for enhancing crop yield under different environmental conditions.
Moreover, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its seeds and roots contain alkaloids that exhibit analgesic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The plant extracts are used to treat rheumatism, cough, and fever.
General Appearance
Aegilops bicornis is a tall, erect, and tufted plant that can grow up to 1.2 meters in height. It has a deep and fibrous root system that enables it to survive in dry conditions. Its leaves are long, narrow, and flat, with a pointed tip. The plant produces spikelets or seed heads that are somewhat flattened and compact, containing two to three flowers. The spikelets have two stiff awns or horns, which can grow up to 5cm long, and give the plant its unique appearance.
Light
Aegilops bicornis plants typically require full sun exposure to grow properly. They generally need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. If grown indoors, fluorescent lights can be used to provide adequate light conditions.
Temperature
Aegilops bicornis is a hardy plant that can tolerate moderate heat and cold temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Aegilops bicornis growth is between 15°C and 25°C. Temperatures above 30°C can cause the plant to wilt, while frost can damage the leaves and stems.
Soil
Aegilops bicornis prefers well-draining, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. Aegilops bicornis is somewhat tolerant of soil salinity, but extreme salt levels in the soil can negatively impact growth. Sandy or clay loam soils are most suitable for this plant but can also grow on other types of soils.
Cultivation methods for Aegilops bicornis
Aegilops bicornis can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means. For seed propagation, sow in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5, and keep the soil moderately moist. The optimal temperature for germination is between 15-18°C. For vegetative propagation, divide the existing plants in early spring or late summer.
Watering needs for Aegilops bicornis
Aegilops bicornis needs regular watering to establish a strong root system. Water the plant at least once a week, especially during the hot and dry season. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Aegilops bicornis
Aegilops bicornis needs regular fertilization to promote growth and development. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, preferably every four to six weeks. Use a slow-release fertilizer to prevent over-fertilization. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
Pruning of Aegilops bicornis
Aegilops bicornis does not require regular pruning, but it can be used to maintain the plant's shape and size. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth emerges. Cut back the dead and damaged stems to the base of the plant. Trim the overgrown stems to one-third of their length to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Aegilops bicornis (Forsskal) Jaub. & Spach
Aegilops bicornis can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. However, sexual propagation is the best way to ensure genetic diversity in the population.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Aegilops bicornis involves collecting matured seeds from the plant and preparing a germination bed with well-draining soil. The seeds are sowed approximately 1-2 cm deep in the soil bed, and watered regularly to maintain a moist environment. Germination usually occurs within 10-14 days. After germination, the seedlings can be thinned out to ensure adequate space for the plants to grow, but care should be taken not to damage the remaining plants.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Aegilops bicornis is possible through rhizome division or stem cuttings. Rhizome division involves physically separating the rhizomes of the plant and planting them in separate locations. This method can be stressful for the plant and may not produce viable offspring.
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants, preferably in the early morning when the plant is not under water stress. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and taken from the top part of the plant. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil, where they can develop roots and eventually grow into new plants. However, stem cutting propagation may result in little to no genetic diversity in the offspring.
Disease and Pest Management for Aegilops Bicornis
Aegilops bicornis (Forsskal) Jaub. & Spach, commonly known as wild wheat, is a valuable plant species that is an important genetic resource for wheat improvement. However, like any other crop, Aegilops bicornis can also be affected by various diseases and pests that can cause significant economic losses if left uncontrolled. Here, we discuss the most common diseases and pests that affect Aegilops bicornis and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fusarium head blight: Fusarium head blight is a common disease that affects Aegilops bicornis. Symptoms include premature bleaching and of spikelets, white mould on the spikelets, and shrivelled seeds. The best management strategies for Fusarium head blight include crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and the use of fungicides.
Leaf rust: Leaf rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Aegilops bicornis. Symptoms include yellow spots on leaves, which later turn red-brown and are covered with powdery spores. The best management strategies for leaf rust include planting resistant cultivars and the use of fungicides.
Barley yellow dwarf virus: Barley yellow dwarf virus is a viral disease that is transmitted by aphids. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. There are no biological or chemical control measures for this disease. The best management strategy for Barley yellow dwarf virus is the use of resistant varieties.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that affects Aegilops bicornis by sucking the sap from leaves and stem. This can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yield. The best management strategies for aphids include using biological control agents like ladybugs and lacewings, and the use of insecticides.
Wireworms: Wireworms are pests that chew through the roots and stems of Aegilops bicornis, ultimately resulting in wilting and plant death. The best management strategies for wireworms include crop rotation, avoiding planting in fields infested with wireworms, and the use of insecticides.
Cutworms: Cutworms are pests that cut through the stem of young Aegilops bicornis plants, causing them to wilt and die. The best management strategies for cutworms include avoiding planting in fields with heavy crop residue, deep ploughing to disrupt the cutworm's life cycle, and the use of insecticides.
By using the above-mentioned management strategies for common diseases and pests that can affect Aegilops bicornis, farmers can reduce yield losses and increase the productivity of their fields.
