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

Background: Consumer demand for organic spelt wheat has increased rapidly and production 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 performance four varieties grown in rain-fed irrigated, conventional systems environment. Results: Irrigation resulted 2.5-fold higher grain yields, reduction protein, taller plants an increase stem lodging. While yields all were similar low production, variety Züricher Oberländer Rotkorn (ZOR) produced highest, Filderstolz Oberkulmer intermediate Rubiota lowest irrigated systems. Organic with chicken or sheep manure as fertilizer 15% that mineral NPK fertilizer-based protocols. Conclusions: Rain-fed very is therefore unlikely be commercially viable. Results suggest fertilization regimes ZOR will result highest systems, while two traditional more reliably produce protein levels comply bread-making quality standards.