Agronomic traits of einkorn and emmer under different seeding rates and topdressinwith organic fertilizers

Abstract

The goal of this research carried out at the experimental facility of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Zagreb in 2015/2016, 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 was to determine the influence of seeding rate and topdressing with organic fertilizers on yield and yield components in einkorn (Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum) and emmer (Triticum dicoccon) populations collected in the Croatian region of Slavonia. The research comprised four seeding rates: 100, 150, 200, and 250 grains per m2; topdressing with organic fertilizers (Fertil Supernova 12.5 N and Ilsamin N90); and a control (no topdressing). Einkorn populations achieved a higher yield of hulled grain relative to the emmer population as a result of their higher coefficient of productive tillering. Conversely, the emmer population showed superiority in a greater number of yield components. On average, for both cereals, yield increased with increasing seeding rates; however, increased yields for seeding rates above 150 grains per m2 were not statistically significant. Einkorn populations showed a yield increase up to the seeding rate of 200 grains per m2, while in emmer the equivalent cutoff value amounted to 250 grains per m2. Topdressing with organic fertilizers positively influenced yield and yield components in both einkorn and emmer populations, except for the year marked by inclement weather conditions in June. Topdressing with organic fertilizers increased the number of spikelets and grains per ear, as well as the grain weight per ear, except in the year with lower precipitation.