Adaptation of Spelt Wheat Lines to Mediterranean Environment
Breeding and evaluation of spelt wheat lines with spring growth habit and photoperiod insensitivity to enable adaptation to the semi-arid Mediterranean climate.
Spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum spp. spelta) is a hulled grain that belongs to the species of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), but is considered to have a separate gene pool. Spelt is considered a “healthy alternative” to the bread wheat popularity among consumers is attributed to its being. Traditionally, spelts are grown in Northern and cold environments (Northern and eastern Europe and Canada). Wheat flowering time is regulated by photoperiod and vernalization. In the Israeli semi-arid Mediterranean climate we are focusing on breeding for spelt lines with spring character and insensitivity to day length.