Overview
Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. is a subspecies of Triticum polonicum, commonly known as Polish wheat or Ethiopian wheat. It belongs to the family Poaceae and is a diploid species with 2n=14 chromosomes. This wheat subspecies is mainly grown in Ethiopia, where it plays an essential role in the farming and dietary system of the country.Origin and Distribution
Polish wheat has been cultivated in Poland and other parts of Europe since the 1800s. However, the Ethiopian subspecies of Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. is thought to have originated in Ethiopia. It is one of the most widespread and ancient species of cultivated wheat in the country. Ethiopian Wheat is adapted to the highlands (1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level) and is frost resistant. It is predominately grown in the central and northern highland areas of Ethiopia, which have favorable conditions for its growth.Common names and Uses
In Ethiopia, Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. is commonly known as "Emmer" or "Kom aad" in Amharic language. The subspecies is grown and processed extensively in the country to make Injera, the traditional Ethiopian bread. Its flour is also used for making porridge and making traditional beer. The grain of the plant has high nutritional value, and it is an important component of the local diet. In addition to its human uses, Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. is also used as animal feed and as a cover crop.General Appearance
The plant has long, slender wheat spikes with long awns that grow 20 to 40cm in length. Each spikelet produces two, three, or occasionally four grains. The grains are usually medium to large, ranging from 6-12mm in diameter, with a thick husk and a hard outer shell that surrounds the starchy endosperm. The plant typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2 meters and is characterized by a thick stem and smooth bright green leaves that are 1 to 2cm in width. Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. is a hardy plant with good drought tolerance that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for cultivation in the Ethiopian highlands where the weather can be unpredictable.Growth Conditions for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Light Requirements: Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. requires full sun for optimal growth and development. This plant should be grown in areas where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is best suited to grow in regions with a temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for growing the Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. plant is between 15°C and 25°C. Temperatures above 30°C can adversely affect growth and reduce yields.
Soil Requirements: Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be deep and loamy, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types but does not grow well in waterlogged or highly acidic soils.
Water Requirements: Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. requires moderate watering during the growing season. Irrigate the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements: This plant responds well to balanced fertilizers that supply equal quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizer at regular intervals during the growing season to promote healthy growth and development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of grain production.
Cultivation methods for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn., commonly known as Ethiopian durum wheat, is a winter crop that is cultivated in the highlands of Ethiopia. The crop is highly valued for its disease resistance and drought tolerance. The best time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season, which begins in mid-June and lasts until early September. Ethiopian durum wheat requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
The seeds should be planted at a depth of 3-5 cm, and the rows should be spaced 20-25 cm apart. It is important to maintain a uniform planting depth to ensure even emergence of the seedlings. In addition, it is recommended to add some organic fertilizer to the soil before planting to improve soil fertility.
Watering needs for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
During the growing season, Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. requires regular watering to ensure optimal growth and yield. The crop is relatively drought-tolerant, but it needs enough moisture to develop strong roots and healthy foliage. It is important to maintain a consistent level of soil moisture throughout the growing season, avoiding both waterlogging and drought stress.
The ideal time to water the crop is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the temperature is cooler and evaporation is low. It is recommended to use drip irrigation or a similar method to deliver water directly to the roots of the plants, minimizing water loss due to evaporation or runoff.
Fertilization methods for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. requires a balanced fertilizer program to achieve optimal growth and yield. It is recommended to apply fertilizer in split doses, with the first dose applied at planting and the remaining doses applied during the growing season.
The fertilizer should be chosen based on a soil analysis, taking into account the nutrient composition of the soil and the specific needs of the crop. In general, Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. responds well to a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like zinc and copper.
Pruning methods for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. does not require pruning in the traditional sense, as it is a cereal crop that is harvested in its entirety. However, it is important to remove any weeds or diseased plants that may compete with the wheat for nutrients and sunlight.
In addition, it is recommended to apply herbicides or other weed control methods to prevent the growth of weeds that can reduce crop yields. By maintaining a clean and weed-free field, farmers can ensure optimal growth and yield for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Propagation of Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn., commonly known as Ethiopian wheat, is propagated through seeds.
Seed propagation for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. is most effective when done during the rainy season. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 2-3 cm in holes that are spaced about 20 cm apart. The seeds will usually germinate within 7-14 days under proper soil moisture conditions.
It is important to note that Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. is a cross-pollinator. Therefore, care should be taken to isolate the variety from other wheat varieties. Ensuring that the seeds are free from contamination will help to maintain seed purity and prevent the accidental breeding of the variety with other wheat varieties.
In addition to seed propagation, Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn. can also be propagated through tissue culture. However, this method is less commonly used due to its complexity and cost.
Overall, seed propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Disease and Pest Management for Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn.
Triticum polonicum L. var. abessinicum Körn., commonly known as Ethiopian emmer, is a cereal crop that is primarily grown in Ethiopia, but also in other countries such as Egypt and Israel. As with other crops, disease and pest management are crucial for the growth and production of this plant.
Common Diseases
Ethiopian emmer can be affected by various fungal and bacterial diseases, the most common of which are stem rust and leaf rust, both caused by the fungi Puccinia graminis and Puccinia triticina, respectively. Other diseases that can affect this crop include common bunt caused by Tilletia caries, Fusarium head scab caused by Fusarium graminearum, and powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to plant resistant varieties and practice crop rotation. Fungicide application during the growing season can also be effective, but it is important to use them judiciously, following proper instructions and precautions to avoid harming non-target organisms and the environment.
Common Pests
Ethiopian emmer can also be affected by various pests, including aphids, mites, and stem borers. The aphids and mites feed on the plant's sap, while the stem borers tunnel through the stem, which can weaken the plant and even cause it to wither.
To manage these pests, it is essential to maintain good soil health by avoiding excess nitrogen fertilization, which can promote pest infestations. Crop rotation is also beneficial, as it can help reduce pest populations. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective, but as with fungicides, it is important to use them judiciously following proper instructions and precautions.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are crucial for the growth and production of Ethiopian emmer. Using resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and using fungicides and insecticides judiciously are some ways to manage diseases and pests affecting this crop.
