Comparison between seed germination abilities: shelled and grind spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum l. Var. Spelta) and chaff spelt wheat seed germination

Authors

  • Darja KOCJAN AČKO University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Dept. of Agronomy, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1111 Ljubljana, Slovenia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2004.83.1.15446

Keywords:

spelt wheat, chaff seed, shelled seed, grind seed, shelling mill, grinding mill, germination testing, germination ability

Abstract

Low germination rate, crop weediness and low crop yield was observed by  farmers, when shelled or  shelled and grind spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. spelta) was sown. Shelling and grinding procedures may adamage the spelt wheat seeds, which consequently don't germinate or germinate only partly. In order to establish differences between germination abilities of seeds that have been processed at different levels and to enable high germination rate when sowing undeclared spelt wheat seed,  a comparison between germination ability of chaff, shelled and of grind spelt wheat seeds of cv. 'Ostro', produced at the same field, using laboratory germination tests (according to ISTA metodology) was performed in years 2002 and 2003. Four localities (farmers) were included in the experiment. Shelling and  grinding of seed was made by mills owned by farmers – producers of spelt wheat, or was made by partners. Considering the average seed germination rate at all four farmers and both experimental years, the average germination rates of chaff, shelled and of grind spelt wheat seeds were 96.4%, 80.5 % and 37.8 %, respectively. With regard to germination ability, chaff spelt wheat seeds were found to be the most convenient for sowing. Machine sowing of shelled spelt wheat seeds represents the advantage over the chaff seeds only when the germination rate of shelled spelt wheat exceeds 90 %. Among four tested samples of shelled spelt wheat such level of  germination rate (> 90 %) was observed only at one producer in both experimental years. Due to low germination ability, grind spelt wheat  seed is not suitable for sowing or for preparation of spelt wheat germs. Seed users should be warned about inappropriateness of  the grind spelt wheat seed for sowing purposes. When the seed aimed at sowing or at preparation of spelt wheat germs is not declared and official data on  germination rate are not available, users should make a germination test between paper (BP test). Due to its simplicity this test has an advantage over other available methods in germination testing.

Published

15. 11. 2004

Issue

Section

Original Scientific Article

How to Cite

KOCJAN AČKO, D. (2004). Comparison between seed germination abilities: shelled and grind spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum l. Var. Spelta) and chaff spelt wheat seed germination. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 83(1), 331–339. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2004.83.1.15446

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