Triticum Spelta L. - Spelt

Overview of Triticum spelta L.

Triticum spelta L., also known as spelt wheat or hulled wheat, is an ancient grain that originated in the Near East and was widely cultivated in Europe during the Bronze Age. Spelt wheat is a member of the grass family Poaceae and is closely related to modern wheat (Triticum aestivum).

General Appearance of Triticum spelta L.

Spelt wheat plants grow up to five feet tall and have long, slender leaves that are tapered at the tip. The flowers of the spelt wheat plant are small and inconspicuous, developing into dense clusters of spikelets. The spikelets contain two or three grains each, which are held tightly inside a tough outer hull that must be removed before the grain can be eaten.

Uses of Triticum spelta L.

Spelt wheat is a highly nutritious grain that is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. The grain can be milled into flour and used in baking, or cooked whole and used in salads, soups, and casseroles. Spelt wheat is also used in the production of beer and whiskey, and the straw of the spelt wheat plant is used as animal feed and bedding.

Spelt wheat is an important crop for organic farmers, as it is less susceptible to disease than modern wheat and can be grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The crop is also useful for soil conservation, as it has deep roots that help to prevent soil erosion.

Common Names of Triticum spelta L.

Spelt wheat is known by many common names, including dinkel wheat, farro grande, farro medio, and emmer wheat. In Russia, the grain is known as pshenitsa dukhovskaya, while in France it is called épeautre. In the United States, spelt wheat is often simply referred to as spelt.

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LIGHT CONDITIONS

Triticum spelta L. commonly known as spelt wheat requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow properly. It needs at least six hours of sunlight exposure daily. The plant prefers full sun or partially shaded areas that provide enough light for optimum growth. Areas with less sunlight may result in poor growth and development of the plant.

TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS

The spelt wheat grows well in temperate climatic conditions. The ideal temperature range for the plant growth is between 12-18°C. Although, the plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 4-24°C, temperatures beyond the optimum range could adversely affect the plant growth and development. During the flowering period, the plant requires cool temperatures to avoid heat stress that may result in poor germination of pollen grains.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS

Spelt wheat grows best in fertile, well-drained loamy soils. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with pH levels of 5.5 to 7.5. The ideal soil type for planting spelt wheat is dark personal or sandy loam soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter to enhance nutrient availability and water retention capacity. Heavy clay soils are unsuitable since they may lead to poor soil aeration and drainage, thus fracturing the roots.

Cultivation Methods

Triticum spelta L., commonly known as spelt, is a durable crop that can grow in various soils, including light-textured or heavy clay soils. The crop grows best in a pH range of 6 to 7.5.

Spelt is a winter crop, so it should be planted during the fall season. Planting spelt too early can lead to early flowering, reducing the yield. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 – 3 inches in well-prepared soil with good drainage. Ensure the seedbed is firm to prevent the seeds from being buried too far down. Additionally, it is usually recommendable to have a good weed control programme to avoid competition with the crop during the early establishment phase.

Watering Needs

Spelt requires adequate moisture for optimum growth. Adequate soil moisture should be maintained to prevent the crop from wilting or drying out completely. Withholding water during the critical growth stages of the plants can lead to low yield explains some researchers.

While young plants require more water, care should be taken to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot, disease attack, and stunted growth of the plant. Irrigation should be done regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil to enhance the root's respiration processes.

Fertilization

Spelt requires enough nutrients to give good crop yields. Before planting, a soil test should be conducted to assess the nutrients' unique requirements. Then, apply the required fertilizers and organic matter as specified. The specific recommended fertilizers are ordinarily dictated by the soil test results, but typically the nitrogenous fertilizer is essential at the early growth phase.

Top dressing the field with nitrogenous fertilizers should be done during the crop's vegetative growth stage or at the early flowering stage. The application of nitrogenous fertilizers should be done right away before the crop needs it.

Pruning

Spelt plants do not require pruning, except when it's necessary to remove dead or damaged stems and leaves. However, during the early growth stages of the plants, thinning may be carried out to allow free passage of air and water and to enable the plants to grow vigorously.

Spelt growth habits and development cycle make pruning unnecessary during production. However, when removing any dead or damaged stems, it would be best to sanitize pruning tools to prevent transmitting diseases to the plants.

Propagation of Triticum spelta L.

Triticum spelta L., also known as spelt, is a close relative of common wheat. The propagation of spelt can be done through seeds or vegetative means.

Propagation by Seeds

The most common method of propagating spelt is through seeds. Spelt seeds can be sown directly in the field or in containers. Before planting, the seeds should be cleaned and sorted, removing any damaged or diseased seeds. They should also be treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal diseases.

The ideal time for sowing spelt seeds is in the fall or early spring, depending on the climate. In areas with harsh winters, fall planting is recommended so that the seeds can germinate in the spring. In milder climates, spring planting may be more suitable. The seeds should be sown about 2-3 cm deep in fertile soil that is well-draining.

Spelt seeds usually germinate within a week or two, and the seedlings should be thinned out to avoid overcrowding. They should be watered regularly and kept weed-free during the growing season.

Propagation by Vegetative Means

Spelt can also be propagated vegetatively through rhizomes and tillers. Rhizomes are underground stems that produce new shoots, while tillers are lateral shoots that develop from the base of the plant.

To propagate spelt through rhizomes, the plant should be dug up, and the rhizomes carefully separated. They can be planted in the field or in containers, and should be kept moist until new shoots emerge.

Tillers can be separated from the parent plant and planted in the field or in containers. They should be planted vertically, with the roots facing downwards, and covered with soil.

Regardless of the propagation method used, spelt plants should be allowed to grow for at least one season before harvesting to allow them to establish themselves and produce a good crop.

Disease and Pest Management for Triticum spelta L.

Triticum spelta L., also known as spelt, is a hardy ancient grain that is popular among organic farmers and health enthusiasts. However, like all crops, spelt is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause significant yield losses and quality degradation. In this section, we will discuss the common pests and diseases that affect spelt and suggest effective ways to manage them.

Common Diseases that Affect Spelt

Fusarium Head Blight: Fusarium head blight is a fungal disease that affects the head of the spelt plant. The symptoms include bleaching of spikelets, pinkish discoloration, and premature death of spikelets. The disease affects yield and grain quality. To manage fusarium head blight, use resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and avoid planting spelt after a cereal crop.

Take-all disease: Take-all disease is caused by the fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis. The disease affects the roots and leads to a characteristic blackening of the roots. Affected plants wilt and eventually die. To manage take-all disease, practice crop rotation, avoid compaction, and reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers.

Septoria leaf spot: Septoria leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the spelt plant. The symptoms include circular spots with gray centers and dark brown margins. The disease reduces yield and grain quality. To manage septoria leaf spot, use resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and remove crop residues after harvest.

Common Pests that Affect Spelt

Aphids: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that attack the leaves and stem of the spelt plant. The symptoms of aphid infestation include yellowing, curling, and stunted growth. Aphids can transmit viruses that further damage the plant. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, plant resistant varieties, and encourage natural predators.

Wireworms: Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles and feed on the roots and stem of the spelt plant. The symptoms of wireworm infestations include wilting, stunting, and yellowing of plants. To manage wireworms, practice crop rotation, use resistant varieties, and apply insecticidal baits.

Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of certain moths and cut the stem of the spelt plant, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use insecticidal sprays, till the soil in the fall, and apply mulch.

In conclusion, spelt is a hardy crop that can withstand various pests and diseases. However, effective pest and disease management is crucial to minimize yield losses and maintain grain quality. By using the suggestions mentioned above, farmers can effectively manage the pests and diseases that affect spelt while maintaining a healthy and productive crop.