Origin of Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass.
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is a subspecies of Triticum turgidum, which belongs to the family Poaceae and is native to Ethiopia.
Common Names of Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass.
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is commonly known as Ethiopian emmer or simply as enkorn. It may also be referred to by its local Ethiopian names, such as Eragrostis tef, Zengena, or Teff.
Uses of Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass.
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is an important cereal crop in Ethiopia, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is a staple food for many Ethiopians and is commonly used to make injera, a sourdough flatbread that is a dietary staple in the country. Injera is typically served with stews, vegetables, and other dishes.
Aside from its culinary uses, enkorn has also been used for medicinal purposes. It contains high amounts of minerals and is a good source of protein and fiber. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including malnutrition, iron deficiency, and constipation.
Appearance of Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass.
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is a type of wheat with a slender, slightly curved straw that can grow up to a height of one meter. Its leaves are long and narrow, and its inflorescence is a dense, spike-like arrangement of small flowers. The grain of enkorn is small and round, and varies in color from white to reddish-brown.
Light Requirements
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It is a sun-loving plant and thrives in areas with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Adequate sunlight is essential for the growth and development of the plant, and it plays a crucial role in determining the yield of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is between 20°C to 27°C. The plant is tolerant of high temperatures and can grow in areas with temperatures as high as 35°C. However, the plant's growth rate is slower at higher temperatures. During the flowering stage, temperatures above 30°C can negatively affect the plant's development.
Soil Requirements
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types but thrives in sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be able to retain moisture and have good aeration. The plant tolerates saline, alkaline, and acidic soils but yields best in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral.
Cultivation Methods
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is commonly referred to as Ethiopian durum wheat and is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions. It thrives in warm weather and grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
The best time to plant Ethiopian durum wheat is during the rainy season. The plant has a long maturity cycle and can take up to 8 months to reach harvest maturity. It is important to prepare the soil well before planting, by loosening the top layers of soil and removing any weeds or debris.
Watering Needs
Water is a critical factor when it comes to the cultivation of Ethiopian durum wheat. This plant requires well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. One of the best ways to achieve this is through drip irrigation, which can help ensure that water is delivered consistently and in the right amounts.
It is also important to be mindful of the timing of the watering, as the plant is susceptible to diseases like Fusarium head blight if the leaves remain wet for too long. In general, it is best to water early in the day when the sun is out, as this will allow the leaves to dry quickly.
Fertilization
Like all crops, Ethiopian durum wheat requires certain nutrients to grow and thrive. One of the most important of these is nitrogen, which is used by the plant to form proteins and enzymes. Phosphorus and potassium are also important, as they help with root development and overall plant health.
The best way to provide these nutrients to the plant is through the use of fertilizer. The exact fertilizer requirements will depend on the specific soil conditions, but in general a balanced fertilizer with a 1:1:1 NPK ratio is a good place to start.
Pruning
Unlike many other crops, Ethiopian durum wheat does not require much pruning. The plant will generally form its own natural canopy, which helps to protect the developing heads from the sun and wind. However, it is important to keep an eye out for any diseased or damaged leaves or stems, as these should be removed to prevent the spread of disease.
It is also a good idea to monitor the plants for any signs of lodging, which occurs when the stem of the plant becomes too weak to support the weight of the heads. Lodging can be caused by a number of factors, including heavy rain or wind, and can significantly reduce the yield of the crop. If lodging occurs, the plants should be propped up using stakes or some other support system.
Propagation of Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass.
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass., also known as Ethiopian Emmer or Zeia, is propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seeds
Seeds are the most common way of propagating Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. To propagate through seeds, collect mature seeds from the plant, dry them thoroughly, and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Before planting, stratify the seeds for about two weeks to help improve germination. After stratification, plant the seeds about 1-2 inches deep in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.
Cuttings
Another way of propagating Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is through cuttings. Take cuttings from a mature and healthy plant and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should root within a few weeks. Once established, transplant the cuttings to their permanent location.
Division
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant during its dormant season, dig up the entire plant, and carefully separate the roots into smaller sections. Replant the sections in well-draining soil, firmly press the soil around the roots, and water thoroughly.
Disease Management
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass., commonly known as Ethiopian durum wheat, is vulnerable to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are two common diseases that you should monitor:
- Stem rust: This disease is caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, which attacks the stems and leaves, causing orange-red colored pustules that burst open, releasing spores. Over time, this can lead to heavy crop losses. To manage this, use genetic resistance or use fungicides such as triazole and strobilurin, which can provide effective control against the disease.
- Leaf rust: This disease is caused by Puccinia triticina, which affects the leaves and causes light-brown spores. When severely affected, it can cause leaf death and reduce grain quality and yield. To manage this, use foliar fungicides, such as triazoles, azoxystrobin, or a combination of fungicides to provide effective control.
Pest Management
Along with diseases, Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. is also vulnerable to insect pests such as aphids, mites, and armyworms.
- Aphids: These insects can transmit viruses that can cause significant yield loss. Manage these insects by introducing natural predators such as lady beetles, lacewings, or by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
- Mites: Two-spotted spider mites are the most common type of mite that affect Triticum turgidum L. subsp. abyssinicum Vavass. These mites can cause stippling and can defoliate plants. Manage these insects by introducing natural predators such as predatory mites or by using miticides such as spiromesifen or abamectin.
- Armyworms: These pests can cause significant foliage damage, reducing the yield of the plant. You can manage these pests using cultural control, such as crop rotation and planting early-maturing cultivars or use insecticides such as carbaryl or malathion.
