Znamenie – a new variety of winter spelt

Abstract

Spelt (Triticum aestivum L. subsp. speltа (L.) Thell.) is an ancient grain crop. Although being cultivated across vast areas in the past, it has gradually lost its significance due to low yields. Today, in the view of the growing demand for organic farming products, winter spelt is increasingly gaining popularity. Spelt is characterized by resistance to abiotic and biotic environmental factors, high protein content, and a wide range of nutrients in the grain. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of the new winter spelt variety under the name of Znamenie bred by the Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture in the Moscow Oblast. The study was conducted in 2022–2024 and found Znamenie to be a mid-season variety with a vegetation period of 303–320 days. The average yield over the research period (three years) comprised 2.4 t/ha. In comparison with the Alcoran standard, Znamenie has a lower plant height of 109–112 cm (115-120 cm in the standard), a larger number of productive stems from 7 to 15 pcs., up to 25 pcs. in 2024, (5–7 pcs. in the standard), as well as a longer spike (4 cm longer than the standard). The protein content in the grain was 16%, the weight of 1000 grains was 45.5 g, the grain hardness was 53.3%, and the crude gluten content was 32.6%. The variety demonstrated good resistance to lodging and drought, as well as to powdery mildew, brown rust, root rot, enzyme-mycotic seed depletion (EMSD) and, to a slight degree, leaf septoria. Znamenie is recommended for use in cereals and the production of dietary foods. In 2024, the new winter spelt variety Znamenie was included in the State Register of Varieties and Hybrids of Agricultural Plants Approved for Use and recommended for cultivation in the Central Region of the Russian Federation.