Emmer wheat Rudico can extend the spectra of cultivated plants

Abstract

Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum Schübl. or also T. dicoccon Schrank) tetraploid wheat species was grown in the Czech territory till the 6 th century A.D. when it was replaced by bread wheat. At present only landraces and wild forms of this species are available in collections of genetic resources. With the aim to extend the spectra of grown crops, a collection of emmer genetic resources in the Czech Gene Bank was studied. An accession later in ripeness, with a good level of resistance to fungal diseases and with a high yield potential was selected from the collection. After bulk selection procedure and three year testing it gained a certificate of legal protection as cultivar Rudico. The cultivar with high protein content and very good resistance to fungal diseases was found to be able to meet the requirements for organic growing systems as well.