Cultivation

Winter and Spring Forms — Durum Wheat

Triticum durum Desf.

Durum wheat has both spring and winter forms, which differ in their biological cycles and yield potential. Winter varieties possess a more developed root system and mature 10–15 days earlier than spring varieties; however, they require strict adherence to sowing dates due to the specifics of the ve…

In the reference 67 varieties crop Durum wheat, where this is mentioned in the description.

The winter form of durum wheat differs from the spring form by a longer growing season and a higher yield potential, which can exceed the performance of spring varieties by 1.5–2 times. The biological cycle of the winter crop includes sowing in the autumn period and two-stage tillering, occurring in the autumn and spring. At the same time, winter forms maintain high grain quality indicators, including increased vitreousness, protein content, and gluten content, which are essential for the pasta industry.

The main limiting factor for winter durum wheat has traditionally been its low winter hardiness, which is being overcome through modern breeding. Unlike common wheat, the stem of durum wheat in the upper internode is filled, and the glumes adhere more tightly to the grain, which reduces the risk of shattering but complicates threshing. Successful cultivation of winter forms requires strict adherence to sowing dates, as the processes of hardening and vernalization directly determine the plants' resistance to winter sub-zero temperatures.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter and spring forms.

Sources8

Varieties of Durum wheat mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.