Performance of Modern and Traditional Spelt Wheat (Triticum spelta) Varieties in Rain-Fed and Irrigated, Organic and Conventional Production Systems in a Semi-Arid Environment; Results from Exploratory Field Experiments in Crete, Greece

Abstract

Background: Consumer demand for organic spelt wheat has increased rapidly and production has expanded into semi-arid regions, where it was not traditionally grown. Methods: Here, we report the results of a factorial field experiment designed to compare the performance of four spelt varieties grown in rain-fed and irrigated, conventional and organic production systems in a semi-arid environment. Results: Irrigation resulted in 2.5-fold higher grain yields, a reduction in grain protein, taller plants and an increase in stem lodging. While yields of all varieties were similar and low in rain-fed production, the variety Züricher Oberländer Rotkorn (ZOR) produced the highest, Filderstolz and Oberkulmer intermediate and the variety Rubiota the lowest grain yields in irrigated systems. Organic production with chicken or sheep manure as fertilizer resulted in 15% higher yields that mineral NPK fertilizer-based conventional production protocols. Conclusions: Rain-fed spelt production results in very low yields and is therefore unlikely to be commercially viable. Results suggest that organic fertilization regimes and the variety ZOR will result in the highest yields in irrigated systems, while the two traditional spelt varieties Filderstolz and Oberkulmer will more reliably produce grain protein levels that comply with bread-making quality standards.

Effect of Production System (Organic versus Conventional) on Olive Fruit and Oil Yields and Oil Quality Parameters in the Messara Valley, Crete, Greece; Results from a 3-Year Farm Survey

“…Since the oil content was higher in olives from organic orchards, the oil yield per unit area was slightly higher in organic production, suggesting that the more widespread use of organic production methods may increase rather than decrease olive oil yields in Southern Crete and other regions in the Mediterranean with similar semi-arid climatic conditions and with hot, dry summers. In this context, it is important to note that a recent study comparing yields in organic and conventional spelt wheat production in the Messara region reported significantly higher yields in organic compared to conventional production systems [58]. The study describes that improvement in soil water retention and water use efficiency associated with regular organic matter inputs in organic production systems may partially explain the higher crop yields with organic management under semi-arid conditions [58].…”

“…In this context, it is important to note that a recent study comparing yields in organic and conventional spelt wheat production in the Messara region reported significantly higher yields in organic compared to conventional production systems [58]. The study describes that improvement in soil water retention and water use efficiency associated with regular organic matter inputs in organic production systems may partially explain the higher crop yields with organic management under semi-arid conditions [58].…”

Organic spelt production systems: Productive and financial performance in three orographic regions

“…spelta L.) successfully grows without any special climatic and soil demands, and it is suitable for cultivation in low input systems in marginal regions (Sugár et al, 2019). On the other hand, spelt wheat is resistant to pests and diseases but less tolerant of abiotic stress from drought (Wang et al, 2021). The disadvantages of spelt cultivation also include its sensitivity to lodging and the fact that it is not adjusted to mechanised harvesting since its production requires an additional step of grain peeling.…”

“…Nevertheless, owing to its nutritional composition and modest requirements regarding soil conditions and agrotechnique, spelt wheat production has been gaining increasing interest in the last 20 years. This interest is predicted to rise at the rate of 5% a year (Wang et al, 2021). The results of research conducted in Europe show that in organic or other ecologically friendly production systems, spelt wheat yields of: 3.0 t ha -1 in Croatia (Rapčan et al, 2020), 3.09 t ha -1 in southern Italy (Troccoli and Codianni, 2005), 4.07 to 4.45 t ha -1 in Poland (Andruszczak et al, 2011), 3.44 to 5.26 t ha -1 in Lithuania (Jablonskytė-Raščė, 2013) 3.9 to 5.3 t ha -1 in Serbia (Roljević Nikolić et al, 2018) and 5.84 t ha -1 in Slovakia (Lacko-Bartošová et al, 2010).…”

Germination and the Initial Seedling Growth of Lettuce, Celeriac and Wheat Cultivars after Micronutrient and a Biological Application Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment

“…This is probably because both years were similar with regard to weather conditions under which production was performed. It is recommended that the wheat production in the world is carried out with the reduced use of pesticides or without their use [15,53,58,59]. These measures reduce the risk of negative effects of wheat products on human health [24,58].…”