The evaluation of heterogeneous populations of durum wheat (Triticum durum) and various ancient grain varieties, including einkorn, emmer and spelt (Triticum monococcum, Triticum diococcon, Triticum spelta) in open-field cultivation, the establishment of a participatory selective breeding program, and product development.

Ancient grains can be successfully grown in unfavorable areas, or under very adverse conditions. Their heterogenous varieties will become increasingly valuable in the future, due to their high level of adaptability. Compared to common wheat, ancient grains have different nutritional indicators, and often contain different proteins. They thus offer important marketing opportunities when selling to consumers who are health and environmentally conscious, and to lovers of gastronomy. Both unique ancient-grain cereals and the products made from them can provide growers with an important additional source of income.

Setting up on-farm and small-plot species and variety tests with 4-8 producers, and at the ÖMKi experimental area.

• We record germination vigor, weed control and general habitus at different phenophases of a plant’s development.
• We examine the plant protection status at plots, evaluate the nutritional parameters of the crop, and examine the calibration possibilities of NIR based methods which allow for rapid determination.
• We assess the concentrations in harvested crops of fusarium fungi, which are responsible for producing mycotoxins, and we measure yields.
• We acquaint participating producers with the techniques of participatory selective breeding, and help launch this process.
• We examine the processing and product development potential of ancient grain cultivation

As part of our annual planning and field days, we discuss and share results with key figures in the supply chain.