Overview
Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn., commonly known as Abyssinian wheat, is a subspecies of Triticum durum, or durum wheat. This plant is primarily grown in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other areas of East Africa.
Appearance
Abyssinian wheat typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters and produces spikes, or heads, that contain the edible seeds. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are pale green in color. When the plant is in flower, it produces small, yellowish-brown flowers.
Uses
Abyssinian wheat is primarily used for food production in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The seeds of the plant are ground to produce flour, which is used to make injera, a traditional bread in these countries. Additionally, the plant is used for animal feed and can be used as a cover crop to prevent erosion.
Cultivation
Abyssinian wheat is a hardy crop that requires little water and can grow in poor soil conditions. The plant is typically grown in the highland areas of Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it thrives in cool, wet conditions. The seeds of the plant are sown in the fall and harvested in the summer.
Conclusion
Overall, Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. is an important crop in East Africa, providing food and other resources to local communities. Its hardiness and versatility make it an important crop in areas with poor soil conditions and limited access to water.
Light Requirements
The Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. typically requires full sun for healthy growth. It needs around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to develop properly.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperature conditions within a range of 15 to 22°C. Such temperatures must be constant and not fluctuate more than two degrees Celsius. Moreover, temperatures below 12°C hinder the plant’s growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. grows well in well-drained soils. The soil should have a pH level range of 5.8 to 7.5. It also prefers fertile and rich in organic matter soil types.
Cultivation methods for Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn.
Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that can be grown in a variety of soil types. It is recommended to grow this plant in well-draining soil with a neutral pH level between 6 and 7.5. The ideal temperature for growing this plant is between 15°C and 25°C.
It is important to prepare the soil before planting, and the recommended depth for planting the seeds is approximately 2-3 cm. The optimum planting density for Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. is around 200-250 seeds per square meter.
Watering needs for Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn.
This plant requires regular watering during the initial growth phase. The ideal time to water the plant is in the morning, and it is recommended to use drip irrigation to avoid waterlogging the soil. Once the plant has matured, it can withstand periods of drought and may require less frequent watering.
It is important to note that over-watering can cause the roots to rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's health. As a general guideline, the soil should be moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization of Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn.
Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. benefits from balanced fertilization with a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers, as they provide a steady supply of nutrients to the plant over an extended period.
The timing and frequency of fertilization depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and growth stage of the plant. However, as a general rule, it is best to fertilize the plant at the beginning of the growing season and once during the reproductive stage.
Pruning of Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn.
Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. does not require significant pruning as it is a self-pollinating plant. However, removing any dead or diseased leaves can improve the plant's overall health.
It is also recommended to remove any weeds or unwanted vegetation around the plant to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Propagation of Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn.
Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. commonly known as durum wheat or macaroni wheat is propagated by two methods:
1. Sexual Propagation
In sexual propagation, the plants are propagated by seeds. The flower of durum wheat is a hermaphrodite and self-fertile. The pollination in durum wheat is mainly through wind. The flower produces a fruit called caryopsis which is commonly known as wheat grain or kernel. The seedling grows into an adult plant and produces a new set of seeds, and the cycle continues.
Durum wheat seeds have a hard outer layer that covers the endosperm of the seed. Before planting, the seeds are soaked in water for 6-10 hours to break the hard outer layer which speeds up the germination process. The seeds are planted at a depth of 3-4 cm in well-drained soil. The ideal time for planting durum wheat seeds is during the fall season.
2. Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation is the process of producing a new plant from a part or a portion of the parent plant. In durum wheat, asexual propagation is done by vegetative propagation. Vegetative propagation in durum wheat is done by two methods:
i. Stolons: Stolons are horizontal stems that grow above the ground surface and spread laterally. The nodes in the stolon develop roots which help in anchoring it to the ground. Stolons are cut from the parent plant and planted in well-drained soil.
ii. Rhizomes: Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally below the surface of the soil. The nodes in the rhizome develop roots and new shoots. Rhizomes are cut from the parent plant and planted in well-drained soil.
Durum wheat is mainly propagated by sexual propagation through seeds. However, asexual propagation through stolons and rhizomes is also possible and can be used to produce new plants with desirable traits.
Disease and Pest Management for Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn.
Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. is considered a relatively hardy crop and is generally less susceptible to pests and diseases compared to other crops. However, it is still important to be aware of and manage any potential issues that could affect the yield and quality of the crop.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. is stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). The disease is characterized by yellow stripes on the leaves, which eventually turn into brown pustules. Another common disease is powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici), which appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stem. Both diseases can significantly reduce yield if left unmanaged.
Disease Management
The most effective way to manage diseases is through prevention. This includes regularly scouting crops for signs of disease and promptly removing any infected plants to prevent the spread of disease. It is also important to practice crop rotation and plant disease-resistant varieties. For chemical control, fungicides can be applied, but it is important to follow label directions and use the appropriate rates.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Triticum durum L. var. arraseita Hochst. ex Körn. are stem sawflies (Cephus cinctus), aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi), and wireworms (Agriotes spp.). Stem sawflies can cause significant damage to the stem and reduce yield, while aphids can transmit viruses and weaken plants. Wireworms can cause damage by feeding on roots and stems.
Pest Management
Similar to disease management, prevention is key in pest management. Practices such as crop rotation, planting disease-resistant varieties, and maintaining healthy soil can help prevent pest infestations. Insecticides can also be used, but it is important to use them judiciously and follow label directions. Integrated pest management techniques, which combine multiple strategies such as biological control and cultural practices, can also be effective in managing pests.
