Vavilov's Wheat (Triticum vavilovi)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in a sunny position. One of the more modern species of wheat, probably developed in cultivation around 8,000 years ago following a cross between T. dicoccum and Aegilops squarrosa. This cross contributed an extra protein gene to the seed, making a much stronger flour for baking as bread. This species is still occasionally cultivated for its edible seed in Armenia. A hexaploid species.
Propagation
Seed - sow early spring or autumn in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a few days[K].
Edible uses
Seed - cooked.
Material uses
The straw has many uses, as a biomass for fuel etc, for thatching, as a mulch in the garden etc. A fibre obtained from the stems is used for making paper. The starch from the seed is used for laundering, sizing textiles etc. It can also be converted to alcohol for use as a fuel.
Habitat
Developed through cultivation, it is not known in a truly wild location.
Native range
W. Asia.