Ancient spring wheat production in Wyoming

Authors: THAPA, RAKSHA - Cornell University; Eberle, Carrie; YOUNGQUIST, CAITLIN - University Of Wyoming

Submitted to: Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/23/2023
Publication Date: 6/2/2023
Citation: Thapa, R.K., Eberle, C.A., Youngquist, C. 2023. Ancient spring wheat production in Wyoming. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management. 9(2). Article e20237. https://doi.org/10.1002/cft2.20237.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cft2.20237

Interpretive Summary: Einkorn, emmer, and spelt are ancient wheats with renewed consumer interest due to their nutritional and flavor characteristics and renewed grower interest due to their high price premiums. Best management practices to produce ancient grains in various growing locations are needed. A 2-year study was conducted to evaluated the performance of ancient spring wheats across multiple growing regions of Wyoming. Grain yields for spelt, emmer, and einkorn were higher when grown in northern regions of Wyoming compared to southern regions. We found average yields of 832 lb acre-1 for einkorn, 1492 lb acre-1 for emmer, and 1064 lb acre-1 for spelt with 14.7-15.9% protein across locations. Emmer was found to have the highest yield potential across all locations. These research findings will help producers interested in growing ancient grains make crop selections and extension educators, researchers, and ag consultants interested in adopting ancient grains into a cropping rotation. Continued research on variety selection and management is needed to further improve yield and profitability of ancient wheats and provide best management practices for diverse locations.

Technical Abstract: The ancient wheats einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.), emmer (Triticum turgidum L.), and spelt (Triticum spelta L.) are currently attracting renewed consumer interest driving increased production demand. Ancient wheats may be well adapted to Wyoming growing conditions and could be a potential alternative crop for Wyoming. A 2-year study was conducted in three locations in Wyoming (Powell, Sheridan, and Lingle, WY) under irrigated and rainfed conditions to identify the agronomic potential of spring planted spelt, emmer, and einkorn in Wyoming. Across locations, grain yields averaged 832 lb acre-1 for einkorn, 1492 lb acre-1 for emmer, and 1064 lb acre-1 for spelt with 14.7-15.9% protein. The highest yields for ancient grains were achieved for emmer grown at the Powell irrigated location. Continued research on variety selection and management is needed to further improve yield and profitability of ancient wheats in Wyoming.