Evaluation of Spelt Lines for Adaptation as a Grain or Forage Crop in Central Montana (2001)

Abstract

This report identifies winter spelt varieties adapted to Montana environments for yield, winter hardiness, resistance to lodging, and for use as livestock or human food. Mid spring plant density and late spring canopy cover varied significantly between winter spelt varieties and lines in two nurseries seeded on till fallow. Blowing dust was a major factor in late March through early May. Plant mortality is attributed to a combination of winter tenderness which was accentuated by spring burial and cutting. It is readily apparent, in visual assessments, none of the spelt entries were as hardy as the Tiber winter wheat check or the winter triticale entries. Winter survival on tilled fallow is a weakness of all of the triticale lines evaluated in these two trials. Grain and forage yields are suitable relative to those of other cereals and annual forages.