Scientists Re-examine Wheat Cultivation Technologies to Increase Yields

The first comprehensive study of new perennial crops in Russia will be carried out by scientists from the Don State Technical University (DSTU) and “Donskoy” Agrarian Scientific Centre (ASC “Donskoy”).

According to the researchers, the revision of cultivation technology will help to increase wheat yields, as well as improve crop quality, as reported by the uni’s press office. 

According to the experts, back in 1928, the famous Soviet plant breeder Nikolai Tsitsin starting researching wheat cultivation and made a significant contribution to science. He first created a hybrid by crossing wheat with wheatgrass, marking the inception of mixed crops, which retain the best features of both plants and are more biologically valuable. But more importantly, these crops are perennial.

The team of scientists from DSTU and ASC “Donskoy” will undertake the first comprehensive study in Russia on the newest perennial crops: drought-resistant “Trititrigia tsitsini” wheat, named after Tsitsin, and the selected grey wheatgrass of the “Sova” variety.

According to DSTU specialists, at present, there are no scientifically substantiated harvesting technologies that make it possible to efficiently harvest, separate, and process the grain and green part of the crop.

Agronomists will sow perennial crops in different ways using various technologies. They will then study their biological feeding properties at different stages of ripening, from early-stage to full ripeness, while assessing the amino acid composition, mineral content, physical and mechanical properties of the plant mass. 

One of the research stages will be the analysis of harvesting technologies. The research team plans to harvest grain with the tow method using the resonant frequencies (vibrations) that occur when the harvester moves. The stalk remains unmown in the field as new green shoots grow on it.

Experts believe that new technologies will reduce the cost of planting and harvesting by 15 percent. 

Sourse: sputniknews.com